Thank you from Fr. Gene

Dear Parishioners,

Pentecost is a beautiful Holy Day in the Church Calendar, and it was a most appropriate last day for me to celebrate Pentecost Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows. My sincere appreciation to each of you for attending Mass, and for joining me at the reception so graciously given by Monsignor Gervasio. Thank you for making this day so memorable for me—I will treasure this day forever. I would like to express my gratitude for the beautiful cards and well wishes that you wrote me, and for your generous gifts—they are greatly appreciated.

I'd like to thank the parishioners who turned out with kind wishes and heartfelt thoughts when I celebrated my last Masses at St. Anthony's.

When I arrived at Our Lady of Sorrows - St. Anthony six years ago, you welcomed me very warmly, and your continued friendship has rewarded me with love, understanding, and support.

A parish becomes a family for a priest, and I am ever so grateful that I was part of the family at Our Lady of Sorrows - St. Anthony. My deepest thanks and appreciation to Monsignor Gervasio for his friendship and for being like a brother to me, for his encouragement, and for praying with me through difficult times. Monsignor made my past six years at OLS-SA most unforgettable. Fr. Carter and Fr. Alabré have become dear friends and have always extended themselves to me. Although they complained about my cooking spicy Indian food, they enjoyed eating it. I thank the office staff who have been exceptionally helpful and patient with me. I also would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped coordinate and make my reception a success.

My good intention was to make my homilies reflect the readings or the gospel, and to make them a bit interesting with a little sprinkling of humor. I enjoyed attending the various parish organizations as well as having a little fun at the annual parish picnic. However, my Sacramental duties allowed me to get to know many of you by solemnizing your marriages, baptizing your babies, ministering to the sick in your families, and officiating at funerals when you lost your loved ones. l shared happy times in your life as well as the painful times. Whatever the circumstances were that brought us together, I will remember your incomparable gift of love, kindness, and strength. Please accept my apology if I neglected an aspect of my priestly obligation.

I feel a strong bond developed between us, so if you would like to correspond with me, you may call me on my cell at 609-709-0710, or reach me via email at [email protected]. My mailing address is