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Dear sisters and brothers in
the Lord, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my delight on
being appointed your pastor. I have experienced briefly your
hospitality, warmth and enthusiasm and quite frankly have come back for
more. If you recall, I celebrated Mass with you several times while Fr.
Eddy was convalescing after being in the hospital. It was at that time
that the thought had occurred that it would so good to serve here,
perhaps as Fr. Eddy’s associate (this was before Fr. Frank arrived). God
and Cardinal George had other plans and I am here as your parish priest.
I thank Fr. Bill for his caring and attentive stewardship of the parish
and Fr. Frank for his assistance and support as I get settled.
This isn’t my first acquaintance with St. Kieran however. Perhaps some
of you may remember a young associate pastor named Father Darrio
Boscutti, my good friend and classmate. He was here from 1986 through
1987. Although his stay was brief he left a powerful impression; perhaps
it was because he was a paisano. I, too hope to be your paisano in time.
Many of you have already introduced yourselves to me and have embraced
and welcomed me with open arms. I thank you all! I look forward with
eager anticipation to meeting, greeting and getting to know each of you
personally. Please be patient with me if I ask for your name several
times, the resiliency of the mind decreases with age. I leave you with
this handy little chart. I found it helpful and I’m sure you will also.
Peace and Prayers,
Fr. Joe Cook |
