The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, “The desire for God is written in the human heart.” We long for God, for His grace. This echoes St. Augustine’s famous declaration to God that “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” I believe this to be true. But I also believe the words that Flannery O’Connor wrote in a 1958 letter to her friend Cecil Dawkins, “All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us, and the change is painful.” We simultaneously desire God and vigorously resist Him.

The times of change—of transition—in my life stand out in my memory as some of the most painful; sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally. I am a mother of four children. My youngest was born 9 months ago; the fear and pain I felt during the transition phase of labor are still poignant in my memory. It was the moment that my confidence failed. The moment that I clung to my husband in terror, believing I could not endure the pain. But that transition brought George into my arms. And in George, I so clearly see the face of God.

I’ve been called temporarily to fill the editorial director’s position for The Catholic Telegraph. This is a big shift from my normal professional responsibilities as video producer for the archdiocese. I instinctively balked at the invitation, wary of the inevitable growing pains ahead. But God has been faithful in this transition, reminding me that I am not alone in bringing this magazine to your mailbox. Jessica Rinaudo left a strong foundation for us to build upon. And my colleagues’ rallying camaraderie has been an enormous gift. We’ve all felt the loss, and we’ve all experienced the growing pains, but we’ve all felt God present among us during this time of transition.

This month the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are joined together in the transition from one archbishop to another. This change, while a joyful one, is tinged with sadness. But the promise of grace is closely intertwined with the pain of change. We will dearly miss Archbishop Schnurr, our devoted spiritual father. But we look forward with great anticipation to follow the way of our new shepherd, Archbishop Robert G. Casey.

My mark on this nearly 200 year old publication will be modest and temporary. But that does not make it insignificant. Just like today, no matter what I am called to do, it is not an indifferent day to my salvation. Although I may write only a letter or two from the editor’s desk before returning to my previous position, I trust in the Lord that I do not labor in vain. It is an honor to write to you, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, for this short period of time. I pray that, today, we all take courage in embracing grace and that we allow Him to change us.