Pastor’s Desk – September 2024
The Pastors Desk – September 1st
Our bulletin publisher, on the occasion of me announcing my retirement from the pastorate at St Francis, asked me to write a short autobiography. I was willing enough to comply, but was I surprised by the many unusual thoughts and emotions! Some were comforting, others unsettling. Strange, but I can’t complain; I have received four extensions of my terms; “mandatory” retirement is supposed to be at 75 years of age. In October I will be 80 years old, yet the awareness that I am finishing my last assignment is still not really welcome. Some parishioners broke into tears when they got the news – I responded with my own right on the spot! More on related topics next week.
– Fr. Peter
The Pastors Desk – September 8th
The bulletin is being published early due to the Labor Day holiday. Fr. Peter is out of town, but has submitted an excerpt from his autobiography that will be available shortly in its entirety on the parish website. Fr. Peter also says he is looking forward to seeing many of you for his retirement Gala at the Larkfield on September 26th!
St. Francis Years – Brick and Mortar Pastor
Now at the age of 65, Fr. Peter became the third Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Greenlawn. It was described by the Diocesan accountant as “a little gem.” What he meant was that the parish was financially sound, and could meet its goals with the annual Catholic Ministries Appeal. And so it was, we have never failed to meet our goals and assessments at St. Francis. Fr. Peter was able to undertake a number of substantial projects during this time. Some noteworthy accomplishments of the capital campaign:
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- Installation of a new air conditioning system
- Installation of a first class elevator, making access to the church and the lower church much easier for those with physical challenges
- Creation of a restroom and foyer extension
- Paving of the parking lot, with night lighting installed
- Rebuilt the stone staircase at the church main entrance
- Rebuilding and repurposing of former three-car maintenance garage to create counseling rooms and large upstairs meeting rooms
- Replacement of the 40-year-old boiler in the church, converting the heating system from home heating oil to natural gas.
- Blacktop for the rectory driveway
- Appointment of Peter Schubart as the new Music Director, with an awesome music program
The Pastors Desk – September 15th
Believe me, I never thought retiring would be so hard. Of course, I will not miss the “Daily Grind” – the leaks, locks, and ledgers, the necessary distractions from the “Real” pastoral portion of our work! But I will miss YOU!
Fifteen years ago, I returned to St. Francis at 65 years of age, well beyond the best years for remembering names and faces. Still, it was like coming home because I had already been here before. Going forward I will be residing locally in Huntington Station, so I know that I will see you from time to time. Our meetings will always be a joy. “Movin’ on” is a universal experience for all, and being a priest and being a pastor are no exceptions. Please pray for me, that this Lord guides me to the path of service that he calls me to. Also, please come to the Gala, and the special hospitality being arranged after all Masses on Oct 5th and 6th and planned for me. I know that for some, the gala ticket will be an obstacle, but I would love to see you all.
Since a new Pastor will be serving you next month, it will be a bit different. We see the wider church currently responding to very different circumstances. My leaving is on another level, as the larger Catholic church begins together to face a common future and continues to spread the Gospel and message of Christ’s Love and Promises.
Friday September 27 is the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. All are invited to the 8:30am Mass, followed by hospitality in the lower church sponsored by the volunteers of our St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The Pastors Desk – September 22nd
My Retirement Gala is now right around the corner. They kept a few secrets to surprise me but 6:00 PM on September 26 at the Larkfield are the key facts. Inflation has made any kind of eating out more expensive, but you are a member of the Parish family so please give serious consideration about coming. I would truly be moved to see a good group there! We will also host special hospitality in the lower church for everyone on Oct 5-6th after every Mass! In this way everyone has potentially two opportunities to wish me well. It is an important date in the history of Saint Francis also!
We are a clear symbol of the transitions the church is making as we adapt to different times in our opportunities to carry out our mission! While it is my retirement, Fr Sheridan will be present. He points the way to the future for our beloved Parish.
– Fr. Peter
The Pastors Desk – September 29th
Thursday night at the Larkfield was just over the top! Retirement has been a bittersweet experience so far. All of you who were there know how much warmth, love, and a touch of sadness filled the air – joy and laughter, and some tears flowed easily. It just hit me the other day, I’ll never be given another assignment. There was regret, but then came quiet Joy. I can let go of so much urgent and unimportant administrative tasks that end up on the pastor’s desk, finished with the locks, leaks, and ledgers all computerized now. You embraced me with all my faults and limitations. I was already 65 years when I arrived here after 17 years in Bayville, well beyond the best years for quick recall of names and faces. You confirmed me when I got it right, and forgave my shortcomings that made ministry doable. I will always be grateful. Thank you again for Thursday night at the Larkfield. I hope to see you all after one of our weekend hospitalities, for I will be at all of them. You are in my grateful prayers. Please say a prayer for me. I’ll always hold you in my heart.
– Fr. Peter
2024 Blessings of the Animals
Join us on October 6th at 3:00pm in front of the church for our annual Blessings of the Animals here at St. Francis of Assisi. During this day we will be celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Parishioners who attend the noon Mass will have enough time after...
Liturgical Ministry Training – Fall 2024
The Diocese of Rockville Center will offer training for those who wish to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors. No walk-ins permitted, all participants must be registered in advance with a letter from their pastor. Extraordinary Minister of...
40 Hour Adoration – Sept. 22nd, 2024
Eucharistic Adoration • Mondays and Fridays • 9:00am – 5:00pm Thursdays • 9:00am – 8:00pm • Ongoing every week40 Hour Consecration During our 40 hours devotion, Fr. Peter will consecrate the town of Greenlawn to Our Lady with the title “The Old Fields Madonna” at...