While working on this last cover story, I was able to spend some time at Emmaus House in Saginaw. The house manager, whom you’ll meet on page 20 of this issue, invited me to stay for lunch. We prayed together, talked, laughed and enjoyed her amazing chicken soup. In the moment, I thanked God for providing such a beautiful parting memory as editor of this magazine.

It’s the people and experiences, like the one mentioned above, that will remain with me. The story of a little girl who survived trauma in the womb and the gift she is to her adoptive family; the human trafficking victim who was assisted by members of our parish and diocesan staffs; Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, who visited our diocese and shared her story; our priests who selflessly minister to us each day; the religious sisters serving across our diocese who provide witness in their vocation; the inspirational Davert family; interviewing Bishop Robert Barron while visiting one of our seminarians (now a priest) and writing a story on seminary life; the men and women of our diocese who minister to the poor, homeless and imprisoned; those who advocate for and support life at all stages – including meeting with a young man from our diocese in West Virgina who was traveling across the country on foot to raise awareness for the unborn; the dedicated ministry of those who serve in our parishes, schools and diocesan offices, whose desire to live and share the Faith daily is beautiful; the mother of one of our priests who wrote Stations of the Cross during the Pandemic of COVID-19 and brought comfort to people around the globe when those stations, prayed by Bishop Gruss, were broadcast on EWTN on Good Friday 2020; the testimonies of those who are suffering or who have survived tragic loss and found comfort in the Lord; being present for the apostolic visit of Pope Francis to the United States and the beatification of Solanus Casey ... and the story of a young man named Derek who is in need of a face transplant. Look for an update on Derek’s story in the next issue of Great Lakes Bay Catholic.

The list could continue for pages, and it gives me great joy to know that these faith-filled witness stories will continue to be shared under outstanding leadership moving forward.

Thank you, Bishop Gruss, for your ongoing support and encouragement and for your humble and faithful witness. Thank you for your prayers for all of us and for your desire for us to know the Lord and experience his infinite love and mercy. I have often shared that your teaching has deeply impacted my own relationship with the Lord and also my understanding of authentic identity found in Jesus alone.

I am forever grateful for my time as editor. Thank you for letting me help share your stories. I look forward to the journey ahead and serving the Lord in new ways.

Come Holy Spirit!