Thank You

I am most grateful for the outpouring of support and kindness on the occasion of my 25th Anniversary Mass of priestly ordination. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all who were able to join me at last Sunday's Anniversary Mass and reception, as well as the support and prayers of many others.

In a particular way, I am grateful to Bishop Paul for celebrating Mass with me and for his kind words when preaching. Nine years ago, Bishop Paul accepted me into the Diocese of Metuchen and I am now privileged to minister with him at St. Catherine's Parish. It is truly a blessing for me to be able to serve the Parish with Bishop Paul.

I am also grateful to my brother priests and deacons who joined in celebrating the Mass. Thank you for your prayers and kind gesture of solidarity.

I am particularly grateful to Margaret Rocca, Lori Young and our Stewardship Committee who coordinated the celebration, and the many parishioners who volunteered their time, both at the church and at St. Edward's parish hall in Milford. Please know of my sincere thanks to each member of the anniversary committee as you most generously gave of your time and effort in making the celebration so enjoyable.

Sincere thanks to Pat Prokopcyk, our music director and to Alyssa Staron, our cantor. I am truly grateful to the many parish volunteers, especially Sandra Kopka, who helped organize the Mass, and Carol Way, who serves as sacristan, as well as our altar servers, ushers, Rosary Society, Knights of Columbus, and all involved.

My thanks to our wonderful Master of Ceremonies, Ken Mandoli and Helen Nardone for her beautiful design work on both the invitations and Catholic Spirit article, as well as the various posters placed within the Hall. Thank you to Janise Nelson for writing the article that appeared in the Catholic Spirit. Also, thank you to Mrs. Pat Dziubek for organizing the wonderful slideshow and to Donna Cahill and our decorating committee, a sincere thank you for your kind, decorative touch.

I am grateful to parishioners from former assignments and neighborhood friends who joined our parish family last Sunday afternoon.

I celebrate twenty-five years of priestly service in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving to God, and in gratitude for the protective care of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I am grateful to Almighty God for all the many blessings received throughout my life, including being pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church.

My years as a priest have been filled with many opportunities to serve others for God. I love being a priest. Please pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and for a more active laity. Together we are called by God to serve Him with our whole heart and soul.

Please be assured of my prayers for you and your families, and I ask for your prayers, as we journey together in the Catholic faith, together with the prayers of Mary, our Mother, and all the angels and saints.