Title
To honor, recognize, and thank Father Michael Watson for his years of service as co-chaplain of Columbus City Council, and to wish him well in his new duties as pastor of St. Mary Delaware.
Body
WHEREAS, Bishop James A. Griffin appointed Father Watson pastor of St. Andrew Parish in November 2000; and
WHEREAS, a Central Ohio native, Father Watson was raised in Worthington and graduated from Bishop Watterson High School and The Ohio State University, then went on to serve at St. Mary’s in German Village before his appointment to St. Andrew Parish; and
WHEREAS, while at St. Andrew, Father Watson initiated significant community-building events and activities within the parish, including the parish festival, a Parish Council, a Master Plan Committee which has led to a strategic plan for the parish, and the parish-wide RENEW program; and
WHEREAS, Father Watson has remained true in service to his alma maters, and was named Bishop Watterson’s 2012 Eagle Auction Honoree, and has been fondly referred to by students as “Father Watterson”; and
WHEREAS, Father Watson is leaving St. Andrew to become the new pastor of St. Mary Delaware, which, despite the distance, is also affiliated with Bishop Watterson High School; and
WHEREAS, Father Watson’s assignment to a larger parish presents challenges and opportunities, but among the most exciting is the chance to become a Bishop, as the parish property abuts the campus of the “Battling Bishops” of Ohio Wesleyan University; and
WHEREAS, unfortunately, Father Watson must forgo his post as co-chaplain of Council, though he will be welcomed back whenever he would like; and
WHEREAS, Father Watson has faithfully served his congregation and the residents of Columbus, and has dutifully served as Council co-chaplain in good times and bad; and
WHEREAS, Father Watson’s dedication to and compassion for the least among us has always shined through in his service to Council; his blessings have been infused with a unique sense o...
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