Sacred Heart Church of Ocean Beach,

One of my favorite Bible verses since I was in high school is Joshua 1:9, which says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” As a high schooler, I loved this verse because it meant I was never alone. It meant that wherever life took me, God would always be there. Throughout my young adult years, this verse has helped me look at hard situations in life and not ask, “Why did this happen God?” but rather ask, “God, where are you in all this?” It’s a verse that has taken on so many forms of meaning in my life, and I’m so grateful for all the mentors, friends, and family in my life who have helped me through the highs and lows of life by reminding me that God is always there, even if you don’t “feel” it.

I’m writing you all to let you know that I have some big news. I have just accepted a position as a college campus minister at University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX! I am so excited to be back in Houston, about this new adventure God is taking me on, and this next chapter in life! The University is totally amping up their Catholic identity and investing greatly in achieving their mission, including adding extra campus ministers and a new campus ministry center. The President is very intent on making the school an authentically Catholic university, which as we know can be hard to find these days. I am very excited to be a part of the beginning of something special at UST and to see where that takes me!

Of course, every new beginning means leaving something as well. As excited as I am about this next chapter, I’m also sad to be leaving Sacred Heart. I have felt nothing but incredible hospitality, openness, and love since the very beginning of my time here. This parish has such a passion and devotion to making Sacred Heart the best, intimate community you can find. It’s full of wonderful people who want to grow closer to each other and God. This Parish has been through so much, from Pastor turnover to Fr. Tom’s heart surgery to COVID, and yet we have remained resilient through it all. I have to believe resilience is an unspoken virtue. This Parish has never forgotten that God is always here. This community has exemplified Joshua 1:9 in that when something hard happens, you haven’t asked, “Why is this happening,” but rather, “Where is God in all this?” Parishes don’t stick around this long because of anything other than a strong bond that is founded on Jesus and His love for all of us.

I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your love, support, and guidance over the last two years here. We have been through a lot together, and you have been there for me through my highs and lows too. There will always be a special place in my heart for this community and the people in it, and while I may be halfway across the country, I know that God is with me there, and that I hold you all in my heart there too! Know of my prayers for you all and don’t be strangers! My last Summit Youth Group Night is THIS Sunday the 18th (I’d love to see all the teens one last time and say good bye here before I leave!) and my last day of work is July 23rd and then I plan to leave the day after that, so make sure you say good bye! You all have left an impact on me and I am forever grateful for having met and served with you all! Praying for you all and Sacred Heart deep in the heart of Texas!

AMDG.
God Bless,
Pat Gunning
Youth Minister

Jesus did not merely feel a fleeting sentimental concern for the vast crowd. He felt strongly compelled into action to meet the needs of the people. But there is one tiny detail worth noting: the apostles and Jesus were trying to get away to rest after ministry!