Farewell Letter from Fr. Jean

June 30, 2021

Dear Parishioners,

The times spent among you either as parochial vicar or as a priest in residence during my studies at the Catholic University of America have been a great blessing for me. Brokenhearted, I am writing to you on my final day here at the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows—St Anthony to express toward each one my heartfelt gratitude. I am truly blessed to be part of this wonderful community which I served for seven good years.

When I came to OLS-SA, I was just a newly ordained priest, but your constant assistance and understanding gave me the strength to have a greater appreciation for my ministry among you. I must admit that I feel extremely fortunate for having this as my first assignment. Certainly, words can never be adequate to express my gratitude for everything you have done for me during my priestly ministry at OLSSA. Thank you for accepting me as I am and for making me a better priest. I wish that I could be with you a little longer, but the Holy Spirit has other plans as he has directed Bishop O’Connell to reassign me elsewhere.

I would like to thank Msgr Gervasio and the parish staff with whom I have worked closely during these past years. They have been helpful collaborators. Last but not least, I thank you, the parishioners, for your generosity. I am so grateful for everything you do to support the Church and its ministers. Thank you for the generous farewell notes and gifts that I received from you individually and from your pastor on your behalf. As I begin a new assignment, there will be new challenges to face at the parish level as well as the Diocesan Tribunal and so I beg your prayers. Be assured of my prayers for you. May God bless you a hundredfold for all that you do.

Yours,
Fr. Jean Renald Felicién,
JCL Parochial vicar at the Catholic community of Hopewell Valley &
Vice Chancellor for canonical affairs of the Diocese of Trenton