Dear Friends in Christ:
During the last several weeks we have witnessed a few changes to our parish staff. Change is one of the constants in parish life! We welcome two new members to our St. John Vianney parish staff: Gail Arriola and Lauren Peraza. Gail is our new Coordinator for Youth Ministry for Junior High Youth and Lauren is our new Communications Coordinator. We welcome them both and assure them of our prayers for their important work in our parish. They are replacing a couple of staff members who are pursuing new chapters in their lives. Josh Castro, our former Junior High Coordinator is embarking on a career in the construction industry and Ashley Soriano, formerly in our communications office, is now the Admissions Coordinator at St. Theresa Catholic School. We wish them and their families many blessings. Still, more change includes two great parishioners. Mike McDonnell has selflessly and generously coordinated our Altar Servers for over two decades. He is now passing the baton to soon-to-be deacon, Joe Barber. Additionally, Gerry Meneilly, our head sacristan for more than 15 years, has now handed over the reins to Henry Egan. Words cannot express my gratitude and our parish’s appreciation to Mike and Gerry for the wonderful job they have done these many years. Their dedication and service have been exemplary. Well done, good and faithful servants!
There is yet another change – a big one! Last week, Cardinal DiNardo appointed Fr. Joseph to serve in the Chancery! While all of us could anticipate great things for Fr. Joseph, what was not anticipated was the timing. Next Sunday will be Fr. Joseph’s last Sunday at St. John Vianney and he will begin work at the Chancery on Monday morning. This is a shock to Fr. Joseph and to me! It has been delightful and gratifying to see this fine young man develop into a wonderful priest. We will all miss Fr. Joseph and his many gifts and talents. There will be a reception next Sunday, after each morning Mass, so we can tell Fr. Joseph goodbye, good luck, and how proud we are of him.
Fr. Joseph’s transfer means that, once again, St. John Vianney parish is a one priest parish. There is no replacement for Fr. Joseph for at least the next several months because THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH PRIESTS! Currently, there are two priests in the archdiocese past retirement age (75) and still working, who are ill. These parishes and their needs must be addressed before ours. Fr. Chuck, who is also working past retirement age, has graciously offered to assist when he can, but he already has a full-time teaching assignment at the seminary.
The biggest thing we can do is pray and encourage more young men to become priests. This year, one young man from our parish is being ordained to the priesthood – Michael Noriega, and God willing, we will have another ordination next year – Josh Svajda! The archdiocese is scheduled to ordain three men this summer, but that is simply insufficient to meet current or future needs. I ask every young man, ages 13-35, to please pray and consider a priestly vocation. It is a beautiful life and a challenging one. It is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for those who think they are perfect or have to be perfect. It is for those who love God and want to help others love God and know God’s love.
In the meantime, I ask for your understanding, patience and prayers. Our parish is greatly blessed. We have a fantastic staff and wonderful parish ministers, leaders, and servant disciples. This is now your opportunity to step up to serve God and His Church. While only a priest can offer Mass, give absolution in Confession, anoint the sick, and offer the last rites of the Church, every baptized Catholic is called to serve! What are you doing to serve God in our parish?