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.

July 19, 2026

SUNDAY, JULY 26
FEAST OF SAINT ANNE
DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY

Dear Parishioners,

Next Sunday, July 26 is the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, our parish feast day. As recent popes have proclaimed, the Feast of Anne and Joachim is the day we particularly pray and honor grandparents and the elderly.

We know very little about St. Anne. Her name never appears in the gospel. Still in our rich faith tradition Anne and Joachim are honored as the parents of Mary and so considered the grandparents of Jesus. Anne is mentioned as early as 150 AD and devotion to Anne developed very early in the life of the Church. It was Anne who immaculately conceived Mary, the mystery we celebrate on December 8.

Understandably, as we celebrate Anne’s feast, the Church calls attention to the important relationship that young people have with their grandparents. Pope Leo XIV prepared a message for this day and I share with you some of the beautiful thoughts that Pope Leo offered as we celebrate our grandparents, both living and deceased.

Grandparents remind us of the call of the Church to be “mother to all.” Leo writes, “The celebration of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is an opportunity to rediscover that the Church is called to be mother to all and that at any age it is always possible to recognize ourselves as sons and daughters of God.”

Addressing grandchildren, Leo continues: “May this day, therefore, be an inspiration for everyone, especially the young, to revive the beautiful custom of visiting their grandparents, the elderly members of the family and even those who have no one to visit them.”

To those who feel a diminishment of strength and vitality as we grow older, Pope Leo cites the wisdom of Pope Francis: “Dear elderly men and women, Pope Francis spoke of you as a ‘new people’, since the number of adults has never been so large in human history. It is, therefore, more important than ever to reflect with you, this ‘new people,’ on what our vocation might be when fragility—the human person’s companion from birth—seems to take over. I would like to say to you: do not be afraid of fragility.’ It is precisely this weakness that holds within itself a new potential that also illuminates the other stages of life. Indeed, when we acknowledge our fragility, our hearts become open to supporting one another and invoking the One who can grant what no human power can ensure: the profound reconciliation of hearts and, with it, true peace.

Grandparents have always been an important part of my life. Shortly after my birth, I lived with my grandparents in Brooklyn as my mom suffered serious back issues. I remember fondly all through my school years travelling into Flatbush, Brooklyn to visit my paternal grandmother was a steady presence in our lives. She lived nearby in the apartments across from Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead. She would come to us for dinner on most Sundays. Sunday morning, I would often be with her at morning Mass and we would go to breakfast together at the Charcoal Ranch. I was very young when my paternal grandfather died. I will always remember Mom and Pop and Mom-Mom.

Next Sunday, on July 26, we will have a celebration for the Feast of Saint Anne and Grandparents Day. At the 10:00AM Mass, members of the choir will be present and we will have a simple reception in the school cafeteria. We will use the prayers for the Feast of Saint Anne and will use the regular Sunday readings. Please join us for the 10:00AM Mass next Sunday if you are able.

When I was ready to complete my time as pastor in Valley Stream, I was hoping to come to St. Anne’s. Bishop Murphy was aware of my interest and assigned me here in June 2011. These past 15 years have been delightful, enriching, and blessed ones. I came to a parish that was alive and thriving in many ways. We have continued to grow. God has been present to us in all sorts of ways. As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Anne, I am so grateful to the Lord and to you parishioners for these past 15 years. I desired to come here for many reasons and my time here has been a source of much happiness, personal growth and increased understanding of the priesthood. It is true that we know little of Saint Anne; I am certain that she has interceded for us in countless ways.

As we celebrate this feast and Grandparents Day, parishioners have begun to ask my about retirement. I have no plans. Bishop Barres has assigned me for another year as your pastor and I continue on a year to year basis. I look forward to the coming years.

Enjoy this Sunday Feast of St. Anne!

Fr. Tom

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