A Parish Update

 

Dear Parishioners,

This week I write to inform you of some current news about our parish.

First, we welcome Bishop Joseph Williams this weekend for my installation ceremony. A parish will typically see their bishop visit a couple times during the year—perhaps at confirmation or some special parish event. We asked that our bishop come for this Mass and installation ceremony after Labor Day when the crowds would be less and we not be rushed during Mass because traffic, parking, etc.

Next, I thank those who have responded to my request to reinitiate an active parish council. I set the deadline for consideration as a member for the end of September. I will now begin the process of contacting and organizing those who showed interest or were nominated for consideration. A parish council serves in an advisory capacity to the pastor as he sees necessary.

Looking ahead, I have asked a friend to preach next year’s parish retreat and he accepted. Captain Francis P. Foley, a priest and pastor of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and former chaplain for the Naval Academy at Annapolis, has agreed to come to St. Thomas next summer. Father Foley brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with 27 years of military service and is known as a skillful orator. Father is currently pastor of St. Timothy Parish in Philadelphia.

Next year we will also have a celebration in honor of the 100-year anniversary of our church building. If you take note of the cornerstone, it reads 1927. So, the plans, at this point, are to combine our parish retreat, church building anniversary ceremony and chicken barbeque into a weeklong celebration for our parish. Please save the date for the week of July 25, 2027, as a special time of celebration for our parish community.

During the next months, I plan to meet with the members of our various parish committees and ministries. It takes time for me to become more aware of all the things going on in the parish, who is responsible for them and how best the people of St. Thomas can be served by them. I have refrained from making any sudden or drastic changes, knowing from experience that it is best for me to see first how things currently operate. With time, I will inevitably make adjustments as I see necessary.

This past weekend, by the change in the attendance at the Masses, I witnessed how the bad weather and the diminished summer crowds can affect the parish. Shore parishes typically tend to slow down in the winter months. It does not necessarily mean, however, that there are no homilies to prepare, no sick or dying to visit and anoint, no weddings, funerals, baptisms, confessions or many other tasks/duties to keep a priest busy. It simply means the pace of life changes for a time. I hope to have more time to read, pray, exercise and get to know all of you a little better.

Please pray for me as I do for you. Together may we grow in holiness.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor