The Rev. Mark Wajda of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Clermont paid tribute in the Aug. 2 weekly bulletin to the departing Rev. Bob Webster, who is leaving Blessed Sacrament after 12 years of devoted service to become rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.

"That’s who Fr. Bob is: responsible, conscientious, dedicated and driven," Wajda wrote. "I am sure he’ll take those same qualities to his new home at Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine. Since we were informed of our appointments by the Bishop, Fr. Bob and I have talked often about our future and respective assignments. As was quite obvious from our weekend together it hasn’t been easy for him to move from this parish community."

Wajda also thanked parishioners for being so welcoming in the short time he has been at Blessed Sacrament. 

The Rev. Mark Wajda | mybscc.org/

"First, I would like to thank everyone for the amazing welcome that I have received on my arrival," he wrote. "Coming to a new place is never easy for the priest or the parishioners."

He also thanked the congregation for their support to the church by continuing to send weekly envelopes or contributing through the online portal. 

"As much as I hate to talk about money, I will," Wajda wrote. "Even in these reduced-capacity and reduced-hours format, we still must light and air-condition the church and the offices. We still have to maintain the buildings at Santo Toribio Romo and the main campus. In addition, we are trying to get things like the leaky church roof repaired, the air conditioners repaired, painting and other projects accomplished. This all takes money. I realize that many people have had hours reduced or have been laid off and I understand not being able to help at this time, but if you are in a position to continue with your weekly offerings and haven’t, please prayerfully consider beginning again."

Wajda himself gives 10% of each of his paychecks to the church. He said he continues to pray for all of the parishioners during this difficult time and asks for their prayers in return.

"Please know that you are in my prayers daily and will always be in my prayers and I ask you to pray for me as we all try to adjust to each other," he wrote. "We are all walking through these most strange times together and with the Lord’s help, we’ll make it."