Every life is marked by moments of significant change: the first day of school, going away to college, starting a new job, moving out of our parents’ home, falling in love, getting married, and having children. Change, in all of its myriad forms, reminds us that we are alive, and that life is a wonderful journey.
One of the most significant moments in my life, following my ordination, was becoming a part of the St. Jude family here in Monroe. Being assigned as the Parochial Vicar, to serve with Fr. Henry here at St. Jude on July 1, 2018, marked a significant milestone in my life: my first pastoral assignment as a priest. While it is through the Sacrament of Holy Orders that a man becomes a priest, it is in serving the people of a parish that the priest learns to become a pastor.
It is with a mixture of happy expectation and no small amount of sadness that I must bid farewell to my St. Jude family. Bishop Caggiano has requested that I take over as Administrator at St. Maurice Parish in Stamford, a community that has been without a pastor for several months. As I trusted our Bishop when he assigned me to St. Jude over two years ago, I trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding his decision now and that this change marks the next step in my journey as a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport. I humbly ask that you pray for me, as well as the good people of St. Maurice, as I prepare to assume this new role.
It is difficult to say goodbye; it is difficult to put into some few words all that I am feeling. I owe so much to the people of St. Jude, Fr. Henry and our Deacons, and the wonderful staff here for helping me to learn what it means to be a priest. I have had the honor to serve you, to be a part of your lives, and to journey with you. My gratitude to you is more than I can express.
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
- Numbers 6:24-26
