By virtue of our baptism, we are on the path of eternal life with the Triune God. Yet this path is ongoing. We are never settled until we finally experience the Beatific Vision in Heaven. Thus, onward, and upward we go towards the Kingdom of Heaven. On our path in walking with Jesus as His disciples there will always be changes. As we all know change is not always easy.
For the last two weeks, Father Michael Lombardi has been staying at the parish which has been a great joy for all of us. Now we must offer him our prayers and blessings as now goes to his first parish as a priest in St. Patrick’s Church in Smithtown. Off he goes to serve the Lord! Many blessings to you Father Michael!
Father Sean Magaldi will now go to his new parish in residence at Christ the King in Commack where his office as the director of Vocations will be. Even though I will miss him immensely, there is no reason to be bitter. This is the nature of our life as priests and in a way as Christians. We are never completely settled, we are always moving, always trying to embrace the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In the end we are sojourners and pilgrims on the journey towards Heaven. Let us pray for Father Sean that he will continue to give his very best for the Diocese.
Special thanks and blessings to Sabina Lamb. After 23 years of service at the 10:15 AM Mass, Sabina has decided to graciously retire. We thank her immensely for all her talent and devotion to sacred music.
As you might have expected there will be changes to the Mass Schedule. This is due to the signs of our times and it has not been an easy decision to make. These decisions came about through prayer and discernment in what is best for the whole parish. The Family Mass will be moved from the Holy Family Chapel at 10:15 AM to the upper Church at 10:30 AM beginning in September. The Choir Mass which has taken place at 10:30 AM will be moved to 12:00 PM. The last 4:30 PM Saturday overflow Mass in the Holy Family Chapel will take place on July 3rd.
The obligation of attending Mass on Sunday and Holy Days will be begin on the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption on Saturday August 14. We will have a solemn Mass with a procession to the Garden of Our Lady on this weekend.
Please know my door is always open to any questions or concerns that you may have. God bless you.
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Jeff Yildirmaz
