As a Christmas present, Bishop DaCunha sent all the priests of the diocese a book written by Fr. Stephen J. Rossetti. Fr. Rossetti is a noted psychologist who worked for many years with troubled priests but does most of his writing about happy priests. Did you know that as a profession priests are the happiest group in America? The title of the book Bishop DaCunha sent is, Letters to My Brothers, Words of Hope and Challenge for Priests.
I’ve been reading Fr. Rossetti’s book as my spiritual reading recently. One of the letters is “Priests as Celibate Lovers”. In the letter he writes, “While there are many riches to be mined as celibate priests, two special joys ought to be mentioned. The first is our service and love for the people of God. The priest’s relationship to them is unique. He is one of them and he is also set apart. He is a man for the people and a man of the people. No priesthood can be fully alive without a dynamic, loving connection to the people.”
As I prepare to leave St. Patrick’s to become pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham, I want to thank the parishioners for allowing me to be part of your lives over the last eight years. It has been a blessing to be here at St. Patrick’s. A little later in the letter I quoted from Fr. Rossetti he tells the story of a beloved pastor who was retiring. Fr. Rossetti was at his last mass and as they left the sanctuary Fr. Rossetti turned to the retiring pastor and said, “Father how are people going to live without you?” The older priest looked him in the eye and said, “How am I going to live without them?”
I can’t help but feel that way a bit, too, as I leave St. Patrick’s but we all know that we will live on with fond memories. I know that I have grown as a person and people tell me that they have grown, too. I feel certain that Frs. Da Silva and Offiong will help you continue to grow personally and as a parish. Please share your love and support with them, too.
I also realize that no matter how hard I have tried, I also leave behind people who feel I have hurt them. While it was never my intention, if you know of such people please tell them I apologize. I pray they can forgive me.
Thank you to everyone who attended my reception after the 12 Noon Mass last week in person or in spirit. My special thanks to everyone who helped with the preparation of the hall and the refreshments. I’m afraid to name you individually because I’m sure I’ll forget someone. I’ve often said how I love my priesthood and it is because of so many of you the faithful people of God that I lead a happy life.
Welcoming St. Patrick’s New Pastor— It’s a week of firsts and lasts for our parish as Fr. Antonio DaSilva, our new pastor, arrived on Tuesday. Fr. DaSilva will celebrate the 4pm Saturday vigil and the 10am Mass on Sunday. Fr. Sullivan will get to say good-bye to parishioners at St. Anthony’s at 9am and a final good-bye to the parish at the 12 Noon Mass at St. Patrick’s.
St. Vincent de Paul Poor Box Receipts— The St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank those who contribute to their work with the poor by making contributions to the Poor Boxes. Receipts for April & May totaled $1,069. Poor Boxes are at all the entrances to the church. Please be generous as you walk in or out of church. The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps the poor of Wareham regardless of their background. Besides operating the Food Pantry, they also provide assistance with utility bills, rent and other emergency services to our local poor.