Trevor Thompson says goodbye
Jeff Cole
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: News
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"(The people) have been part of my family here as I've lived and worked in the New York area," Thompson said. "I have lots of beautiful connections with people."
Thompson said he enjoyed meeting the members of the Bonaventure community as well as the Warming House guests. He said he will remember times like taking guests to the movies or doctor appointments and even having ice cream with them. Perhaps his most valuable times were listening to stories others shared during meals.
Being a part of people's lives is a big reward of Thompson's job, he said. It is also a reason why the Warming House is so special.
"I want to be in places where I can help people and help them grow," Thompson said. "I love being a part of their lives. In some ways, the Warming House recreates a sense of family."
Thompson will be director of pastoral ministries at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Raleigh, N.C.
He said he found the job while searching online, and since he now has a family to provide for, he wanted to explore more professional opportunities. His mother-in-law lives in North Carolina, which was also a factor in his decision.
He will take on more of an administrative role with greater responsibilities, such as heading a staff he will help to grow professionally. Though this is a switch from helping and developing programs for the needy, Thompson's new job is still closely associated with the Franciscan ministry.
He will move into an area with more than 5,000 registered households and will continue his mission of making a difference in people's lives in the spirit of the Catholic and Franciscan tradition.
Though Thompson will leave Bonaventure, he's not sure it's quite the same as saying goodbye. Due to what he calls the "marvel of Facebook," and other social networks, he plans to stay in touch with the community.
"I'm used to students saying goodbye to me as they go off and leave, so this is a switch," Thompson said.
The Merton Center held an open house on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m for the Bonaventure community to say goodbye to Thompson. The second opportunity to say goodbye will be this Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Mass in the university chapel, where his children will be baptized followed by a reception.
e-mail: colejr09@sbu.edu
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