Fr. Tom’s Letters

Each week Fr. Tom writes a letter to parishioners in our bulletin. Every letter is comprehensive, including current information about the Parish, an explanation of Scripture for that Sunday, and an invitation to become more engaged in the life of the parish.

June 24, 2018

Dear Parishioners,

On Wednesday, June 27, many priests of the diocese will begin their new assignments. These will include new pastors, a newly ordained priest, associate pastors, chaplains to hospitals, and priests with diocesan assignments. Most will be moving from one rectory to another. It is a day when these priests assume new responsibilities and take on new challenges. There is excitement. For many it is a bittersweet day as they move on from parishes where they have done great work and enjoyed loving relationships with the people of the parish they are leaving.

Fr. Rudy will be leaving St. Anne’s on Wednesday morning and reporting to Good Shepherd Parish in Holbrook. As Fr. Rudy shared with us last week, we have become his family this past thirteen years and he has loved St. Anne’s. His departure is not an easy one. Several parishioners have lamented to me his transfer. As one dad said with beautiful memory, “Fr. Rudy baptized two of my children.” Another parishioner expressed how she appreciated the happy relationship Fr. Rudy and I shared as priests living in the rectory and she felt that good relationship was appreciated by the parishioners. She is sad to see that conclude.

Thank you for joining with one another last Sunday to express our gratitude to Fr. Rudy for his thirteen years of priestly ministry at St. Anne’s. Many thanks to the Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, parish staff and volunteers for organizing our farewell. The Stewart Manor Fire Department is assisting Fr. Rudy with the moving process next Wednesday. He has been their faithful chaplain for many years.

At Good Shepherd, Fr. Rudy will be welcomed by the pastor, Bishop Robert Coyle, Fr. Lachlan Cameron, and the retiring pastor Fr. Gerry Ringenback. These are all wonderful priests and very kind men. Although I am sorry to see Fr. Rudy leave St. Anne’s, I am very happy for him that he will be enjoying the company and friendship of three priests who I personally know to be exceptionally kind. God bless Fr. Rudy!

Within hours of Fr. Rudy’s departure this Wednesday, we will be greeting Fr. Tim Valentine, the new Associate Pastor at St. Anne’s. Fr. Valentine and I have met twice, enjoyed dinner together, and I very much enjoyed his company. Fr. Valentine is ordained 30+ years and brings great experience with him to St. Anne’s. He has enjoyed many ministries since his ordination, including parish ministry, military chaplaincy, seminary work, school ministry, and advanced studies. As we get to know Fr. Tim, we will learn more about him. Fr. Tim is returning to Long Island and he had aunts who once lived in Garden City. I very much look forward to the many gifts that Fr. Valentine brings to St. Anne’s. I look forward to his preaching, his love for education and formation, and the rich experience he brings to us. As you meet Fr. Valentine through these summer weeks, please join me in welcoming Fr. Tim Valentine to St. Anne’s.

Today Sunday at the 10:00AM Mass newly ordained Fr. Pier Giorgio Dengler, O.P. will celebrate Mass. Fr. Pier was ordained as a Dominican priest in May. He was ordained by Cardinal Dolan in Washington. Fr. Pier’s parents Bonnie and Bernie Dengler have returned to St. Anne’s and now reside here. When a second grade student in our school, Fr. Pier Giorgio received First Holy Communion here at St. Anne’s. It is a delight for us to share the joy of the Dengler Family as they celebrate the ordination of their son and brother. Thank you Fr. Pier Giorgio for sharing Mass with us today and God bless you in your ministry as a Dominican priest.

Yesterday, Saturday, June 23 Bishop John Barres ordained Fr. Leo Song a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Fr. Leo completed his seminary studies in Rome and was ordained a deacon there. We pray that Fr. Leo will experience great joy in his first parish assignment, (still not announced as of this writing, but made known yesterday). I hope for Fr. Leo that he will be greatly blessed as I was at my first assignment, Holy Family, Hicksville with a wonderful and loving pastor, the late Msgr. Edward Donnelly with whom I shared a strong friendship. God bless Fr. Leo Song.

Tomorrow, Monday June 25th we have a year end barbecue for the parish and school staff. All who work at St. Anne’s are invited to celebrate the end of another academic year and the arrival of summer. For July and August, the parish becomes less busy. It is a restful time. Many parish families enjoy vacations; kids have fun at camps; work hours are often reduced. I am hoping for a quiet July and August. I have no extensive vacation plans. We will enjoy brief visits from our Irish priest friends, Bishop Willie, Fr. John, and Fr. Derek. We will welcome Fr. Valentine. Fr. Johnny is enjoying some sabbatical travel.

Already though preparations are in full swing for next year. You will be receiving the Big Bucks Spirit Day mailing in the next few days. We are looking to revise our seventh and eighth grade faith formation program. We will be bringing our building plans for our Ministry and Meeting building to the Village of Garden City for its necessary approvals. It is summer, but we will be moving things forward.

I hope this summer is a good one for you, your family, and for us all. Travel wisely; drive safely. Enjoy the company of family and friends. Keep coming to Sunday Mass! Thank you for all your support.

Peace be to you.

Fr. Tom

The letters are available in PDF and require Adobe Reader to view. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it for FREE by clicking the graphic to the right.

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