Letter from Fr. Tom Kraft, OP

Dear parishioners, family, friends and my Dominican brothers and sisters,

When I was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer early this year, I received overwhelming support from many of you: family, friends, colleagues, and my Dominican brothers and sisters. Thank you for your prayers—they have strengthened me, given me hope, and brought me courage throughout my battle with this illness.

Our collective prayer for a miraculous cure, which I still hope for, has not happened. The chemotherapy I underwent at the beginning of my illness was not intended to be a cure, but a treatment to manage and slow down the cancer to improve my quality of life. Initially, the chemotherapy succeeded. It slowed the spread of the cancer, diminished the tumors in my esophagus and liver, and helped me live a more normal life.

Most recently, within the last month or so, the cancer has become increasingly aggressive. The scans have revealed the spread of the cancer to my lungs. To combat this, I have chosen another round of chemotherapy, which is more potent and, consequently, more difficult to endure. I am more fatigued and less able to function normally. If this round of chemotherapy succeeds, I may be able to extend my life, perhaps for another year or so. If it fails to slow down the cancer, I have just a few months left to live.

The time has come for me to reassess my life and put things in their proper order. I am preparing to face the inevitable reality of death, but at the same time still hopeful for a miraculous cure. I intend to continue to minister to the people of God. I am hopeful that, whatever God has in store for me, I will be able to meet with undaunted courage. Throughout these next months, I ask all of you to support me by continuing to pray for my healing. If I am not healed, please pray that I may be able to do my priestly ministry as my strength allows.

It is becoming clear that the cancer, combined with the most recent chemotherapy, has had its toll on me. I have lost weight and continue to have difficulty eating. I am tired most of the time, but I get a lot of energy through my ministries, whether celebrating Mass, preaching, teaching or hearing confessions. I am, however, finding it necessary to focus my energy and engage in activities that help me to become less fatigued.

I ask for your support and cooperation. Although all of you are important to me, at this time I would ask that you refrain from calling or visiting me at my residence. I am thankful for your emails, cards and gifts. While I cannot respond to each of them, know that I am always grateful for your kindness. I will, of course, continue to be present to minister to each of you as best as I am able. I want you to acknowledge me as fully alive and always willing to serve you as your priest.

I have chosen Fr. Daniel Syverstad, my friend and Dominican brother as my primary healthcare advocate. He has directly supported me from the very beginning and continues to help me navigate the complexities of modern cancer care. As you know, Fr. Daniel is ministering full time to this parish. He would like to commit his time to my care as well, so I ask that you allow him to work with my doctors and not trouble him with unnecessary calls. Pray for him and my brothers in community that they may continue to have the strength and courage to help me throughout the course of my illness.

While the inevitability of death may seem frightening, know that I am very hopeful in God. I continue to pray for a miraculous cure, but if it does not happen, I remain ever so confident that God will give me the grace to prepare myself for eternal life. God bless each of you. May we continue to have hope and never cease to be grateful for the many blessings God has given us. You are all a blessing in my life.

NOTE: This letter was originally published on Fr. Tom's blog. Should you wish, you may offer Fr. Tom a note of love, support, and prayers by leaving a comment on his blog site.