Bishop da Cunha has advised me that the new pastor of St. Patrick’s will be Fr. Antonio da Silva, SDV. Fr. daSilva is currently ministering in New Brunswick, NJ. He is a native of Brazil. Fr. daSilva will be arriving on June 20, so that he’ll have about a week to make the transition before my new assignment will begin on June 28. Fr. da Silva will be assisted by Fr. Cyril Offiong, SDV, as a Parochial Vicar. Fr. Offiong is a native of Nigeria. He has been ordained for a little over a year and is currently assigned to St. Michael’s Parish in Newark, NJ. I know the parishioners of St. Patrick’s will welcome Fr. daSilva and Fr. Offiong.
During this time of transition, it’s important to keep the parish in your prayers. Even before I knew of my transfer, I asked Deacon David Murphy to research a Holy Spirit Novena that we could pray between the Feast of the Ascension and Pentecost. I intended to ask everyone to pray that our parish would be receptive to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and for spiritual growth throughout the coming year. Now that important change will be taking place in the parish, as the Vocationist Fathers assume pastoral responsibilities, it’s even more important that we pray to the Holy Spirit to guide our parish community.
Copies of the Holy Spirit Novena are available on the tables by the doors of the church. Help yourself to whatever you and your family need and join us in prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Mother’s Day Best Wishes—Wishes for a very happy Mother’s Day to all mothers in the parish. Recently, Deacon David Murphy gave me a prayer that was passed on to him by his mother. It seems appropriate to do the same today.
I pray that God will use
All things in my life
And work them together for good
That tough times
Will build character
That good times
Will keep me grateful
That testing times
Will strengthen my faith
That prosperous times
Will enrich my giving.
“And we know that all that happens to us, is working for our good, If we love God and are fitting into his plans.” Romans 8:28