July 17, 2015
“My dear friend, Wayne: I am late in sending you a congratulations — but a bittersweet one for me — on your return to your beloved Archdiocese of New Orleans. I am very sorry to hear of your departure from the Office of Black & Indian Missions, that you have made so very much your own. I will miss you. “
Tony Spence
Director and Editor in Chief
Catholic News Service
“Thank you for your service and dedication to us in your work to advance the US Bishops’ in their ministry to Black and Native Americans. I wish you a smooth transition back to your diocesan ministry. I also wish you a smooth transfer of the responsibilities of your national office to new shoulders. May the Good Lord and your Archbishop bless you with some free time.”
Very Rev. Rothell Price
Vicar General of the Diocese of Shreveport
Diocesan Coordinator of Second Collections
“Father Paysse, we are truly blessed to have you serving in the name of the Lord. I have enjoyed the time we’ve spent working together on Evangelization of African American and Native Americans locally and nationally. The opportunities for new learning you provided under your leadership was of great help in my ministry for the Diocese of Charleston.”
Kathleen Merritt
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston
Office of Ethnic Ministries
“May I take this opportunity to wish you the best in your new appointment in New Orleans. I feel you have brought new vitality to this office. I am particularly grateful for your seeing us through the canonization process for St. Kateri, who has always been among my favorite saints. May the Lord continue to bless you and thank you for your support of the full inclusion of indigenous peoples in the life of the Church.”
Deborah J. Clifton,
Creole/Mvskoke
Carencro, LA
“It has been a pleasure to know you and welcome you and be with you and laugh and pray with you as we have come together for Native American events, especially when you have blessed us with visits here in Jemez Pueblo. I will miss you. I pray your new assignment will bring all kinds of blessings to you and through you!”
Larry Bernard
Jemez Pueblo
Sandoval County, NM
“What a surprise! I hate to see you leave Indian Ministry and our group/family. Know how much you will be missed. What will I do without my right hand partner in ministry? May we continue to keep in touch often. Thank you for all you have done in making the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions Office such an honor place. You have done soooo much since you went to Washington. I marvel at all you have accomplished.”
Rose Messingschlager
“I am sorry to hear that you are moving on. I (and we) have certainly enjoyed our relationship. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit us here at the school this past year. We enjoyed having you very much. “
Sr. Mary Bourdon
“Blessings and the best of Health and Energy in your double endeavors.”
Jo-Ann Semon
Kateri Circle
Burbank, CA
“God bless you, Father Paysee! I am so grateful for meeting you and our Diocese has been so blessed by you and the BIMO. You will be in our prayers, (especially to Our Lady under her title “of Lourdes”), please keep us in yours.”
Cathy M. McCarthy
Diocese of Gallup
Gallup, NM
“Prayers and well wishes for a safe journey back to your pastoral service in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. God spread. God bless. God has blessed us with your calling. It was truly a blessing to meet with you and share in the celebration of St Kateri Tekakwitha’s canonization in Rome. We trust in the Lord. We are guided by His plan. We know by your ministry that God works miracles.”
Linda Pittella
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish
Plymouth, MA
“Blessings to you Fr Paysse!”
Mark Randall, CFRE
Executive Director
Office of Institutional Advancement
Pontifical North American College (Rome)
“Thanks for all you have done for places like De La Salle Blackfeet over your years of service! Blessings on your new ministry! I’m sure the folks in Slidell will enjoy your presence.”
Br. Paul Ackerman FSC
“Wayne I am proud and grateful for your wonderful, generative years of service.”
Fr. Alex Steinmiller
Cristo Rey Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
