"For the glory of God and the well being of Christ's holy Church"

... I appoint you Pastor of Saint Francis de Sales Parish, Benedict, Maryland."

With these words Archbishop Wuerl began the letter, which I received from his hands last Friday, most generously assigning to my care a portion of the people of God of the Archdiocese of Washington. I thank him as I am filled with a spirit of gratitude and continue to praise God for His goodness which so abundantly flows to us through the Church in His Holy Spirit.

What wonders of love and grace are ours when we share in the obedience of the Son whose own obedience to the Father's holy will unto death has poured out for us the love of God in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us? I thank God for the grace of obedience to my bishop which assures me of God's love in the life of His Son whose true Body in the world is our holy Church.

Thanks to all who have accompanied me with their love and prayers for what will soon be 18 years of my share in the holy priesthood of Jesus Christ who does not shrink from welcoming sinners and eating with them, especially in His most beautiful banquet of the Altar, His Eucharist. In this foretaste of heavenly glory the Father begins already to welcome us through the Holy Spirit of Love to the eternal heavenly wedding banquet of the Lamb: Jesus Christ.

Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever, through Whom these and all blessings flow. Amen.

-- ((((..))))

Donald William Wuerl
By The Grace of God and the Apostolic See
Archbishop of Washington

DECREE

FOR THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD, I APPOINT YOU
REVEREND KEVIN M. CUSICK
PASTOR OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES PARISH,
BENEDICT, MARYLAND

I HEREBY COMMIT TO YOU THE FULL PASTORAL CARE OF SOULS IN
THIS PARISH WITH ALL THE JURISDICTION, FACULTIES, DUTIES,
RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES ATTACHED THERETO IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE SACRED CANONS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AS
WELL AS THE STATUTES AND OTHER LEGISLATION OF THE
ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON FOR A TERM OF SIX YEARS.

THIS APPOINTMENT WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON:
JULY 1, 2010

MAY GOD GRANT YOU THE GRACE AND HEALTH TO CARRY OUT THIS
CHARGE OF PRIESTLY SERVICE FOR SOULS.

+ Donald Wuerl (Signed and sealed)
ARCHBISHOP OF WASHINGTON

GIVEN AT WASHINGTON, D.C.
ON MAY 21, 2010
Jane Golden Belford (Signed)
CHANCELLOR

Photo: The church of Saint Francis de Sales, dedicated to the patron saint of journalists and therefore also of bloggers, is located in Benedict, Md, a small port on the Patuxent River. British troops came ashore here on the march to Washington.