It has been bittersweet writing my column for this “Special Keepsake Edition” of the St. Augustine Catholic. This issue has been a real labor of love for Bishop Snyder and a tribute to his many accomplishments as Bishop of Saint Augustine for the past 22 years.
From a selfish point of view, I will miss seeing his ever-glowing smile at the Catholic Center. But I also realize that he has earned the opportunity to explore other areas of interest and to relax from his ominous schedule of administering to the many needs of the diocese. It is also comforting to know that he will remain in the area and we will continue to see him.
In August, I celebrated my 15th anniversary as Director of Communications for the diocese. It was Bishop Snyder who hired me and it doesn’t seem possible that we are now producing an issue of the St. Augustine Catholic on the occasion of his retirement.
Bishop Snyder has always encouraged me to find new ways to communicate the Good News to the people of the diocese while at the same time challenging me to do it without increasing my budget! The St. Augustine Catholic was born 10 years ago and it was Bishop Snyder who encouraged me and the Communications Commission to take a leap of faith in producing a periodical that would inform, educate and hopefully inspire our readers as they continue their faith journey.
He will be the first one to admit that he is not a technological guru, but he knows
of its importance and he has always supported our efforts in finding the best and most effective ways to communicate the Gospel message that will hopefully bring people into a closer relationship with our Lord — a pledge he made when he was first installed as the eighth Bishop of Saint Augustine.
Through his gifts as a great communicator, he has touched many lives and he has been truly a gifted spokesperson for the church in North Florida. The news media are always quick to tell me that they love Bishop Snyder and they have enjoyed interviewing him. He made my job in media relations much easier.
Bishop Snyder never was one to use a computer or even voice mail for that matter! But I am told that he now has a computer where he will hopefully keep in touch via email with his many friends in the diocese and those he has met along the way in his work on both the local and national levels. And perhaps we will be able to talk him into writing for the magazine on occasion!
Putting together this issue of the magazine was quite rewarding. I found out things about Bishop Snyder that I never knew. Inside you will find testimonials, kind thoughts and best wishes from many individuals who Bishop Snyder has touched over the years. They are truly an outpouring of gratitude for his strong leadership as our shepherd and faithful servant. This issue is a definite keepsake and I hope all of you will stay in touch with Bishop Snyder as he enjoys his years of retirement.
I would also like to thank our advertisers and contributors for their kind support. Without them, this issue would not be possible.
Thank you Bishop Snyder and may God continue to bless you with many happy
and healthy years.
