Father Miguel Fernando Perez at St. Matthew Catholic Church in El Paso, Texas gives his gratitude to the congregation as he prepares to move to his next assignment.

Perez came to St. Matthew just over a year ago as a newly ordained priest. In that short time, he said he has come to consider the St. Matthew congregation family. 

"You have been instrumental in my spiritual growth and have mentored me along the way as I entered into my priestly ministry," his letter reads. 

Perez thanks Father Frank Lopez for the support, guidance and prayers provided as he transitioned from seminary to serving as a priest. Perez also thanks parish staff, school staff and parishioners for the love and unconditional support shown to him over the past year.

"Although it was a short time and it is never easy to leave for another community, this is part of my call to priesthood," the letter reads. "We are called to serve God’s people and to follow the commission that Jesus gave to his disciples, 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.' (Mat 28:18-20)"

Perez said he holds each member of the staff and congregation in his heart and will continue to lift prayers for them.