My dear friends,
After walking in the Apple Harvest Festival parade, I’m sitting down at my computer. (My legs are much too tired to stand!) I was marching with the float from Southington Catholic School. We congratulate them on winning first prize for a school float! Congratulations to you! While I recoup from the walk, let me take a moment to share some other things.
I want to congratulate our parishioners who will be awarded the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation for 2021. For Immaculate Conception, the award will go to Paula Pacyna. She is one of those people behind the scenes keeping everything running, by locking and unlocking the church, caring for the altar and supplies, and countless tasks to keep us in operation. For St. Thomas, the award this year goes to Daniel and Roberta Vendetti. Dan is president to of the pastoral council and Roberta heads up our Right to Life ministry. They are both involved in RCIA and have done many other things throughout the years. The recipient for St. Dominic Parish this year is Carolyn Beaudin. Most people will know her as one of our lectors at Mass, but she also helps behind the scenes. During the time of Covid19 shutdown and restrictions, she was most helpful to Father May with funerals. On behalf of all the parishioners, I thank them all for their tireless dedication and service over the years. God bless you all for your dedication and service to your sisters and brothers.
A reminder to all, we will begin booking Mass intentions for services at Immaculate Conception and St. Dominic Churches this Wednesday in the rectory office at St. Thomas. You can come in person, call, or email between 11 AM and 7 PM. That calls to mind another announcement, our new office hours at the St. Thomas rectory office are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM through 7:30 PM. This will help us manage spaces and keys as groups begin to meet again after the shutdown from Covid19 restrictions
A final note, I will be heading out this week for a two week vacation. Now that the new staff are in place and getting use to their schedules, and as the school, catechism, and youth ministry are all up and running, I am happy to say I can step aside for a bit. After linking parishes, moving, and all the stresses of the past year, it is time for a break. I will be hopping in my car and driving up through Vermont to Canada and back through the Adirondacks. I look forward to some time of rest and relaxation. You will see me back in time for Halloween. I may dress like a priest this year!
Happily yours in Christ, Fr. Joe
My dear friends,
t’s Sunday night and I’m sitting at my computer. I just wanted to record my thoughts before I collapse for the night. We have just completed the closing Mass at St. Thomas Church. It was a long, emotional day. Despite the sadness and tensions, it was a joyous event. It was good to celebrate the life of a parish and all it means in the lives of people in our community.
I must thank everyone who did so much to make the occasion special. Deacon Vinny and BJ did so much behind the scenes to get it organized. Our staff worked hard to make sure everything was in place. The music ministry did an amazing job finding pieces appropriate to the occasion and lift the mood. Our lectors proclaimed the Word beautifully. To everyone who cleaned the church, arranged the flowers, prepared the altar, took the collections, and did all we needed done, I am grateful. Thanks go out to the honor guard from the Knights of Columbus for being part of the special celebration. The Ladies Guild did a beautiful job preparing the reception, and Tops Market provided a wonderful spread. It was all beautiful.
It was wonderful to have so many priests, deacons, religious, and lay ministers who have been part of our history attend. I was touched that Sister Jacinta Coscia flew in from North Carolina just to be with us. It was lovely to see our Filippini Sisters: Sister Mary, Sister Gina, and Sister Marie all present. It was gratifying to have the support of so many brother priests who have been shaped in their ministry by their time here: Father Art DuPont, Father Nick Melo, Father Jim Pilon, Father Ron May, Father Ron Zepecki, Father Jim Gregory, Father Joe Keough, Father Hector Rangel, Father Tom Cieslikowski, and Monsignor Tom Ginty. I was grateful for Deacon Angelo Coppola, along with Deacons John Thorpe and Neil Richter coming to assist. I also greatly appreciated having Brother Dan Valente. Father David Madejski was most helpful with Eucharistic procession to Immaculate Conception. Their presence made the day special.
Above all, I want to take a moment to express my real appreciation for Father John Cockayne. When we knew the Archbishop would be unable to attend, my first thought for a homilist was him. He did not disappoint. His homily was heartfelt and beautiful. He expressed the complex emotional reality of the day while looking with hope to our future as a united parish in Southington. I could not have asked for something more perfect for the occasion. He moved this stone cold cynic to tears, and I truly cannot say enough kind words to thank him for making the occasion memorable and amazing. God bless you, Father John Cockayne!
To all our Catholic brothers and sisters in Southington, I thank everyone who has reached out to welcome the parishioners of St. Thomas to new buildings. While the settings may have changed, the faith and the love is all the same. You have all been most gracious and helpful to people facing a difficult transition. You have provided a welcome space and warm environment for them to worship. You have my profound respect and gratitude.
Well, I know I’m sure I have forgotten something, but I am crashing now. I’m tired, I’m emotional, but I am most of all grateful. I will sleep soundly with gratitude in my heart.
Gratefully yours in Christ, Fr. Joe