+JMJ
Dear Parishioners,
This past weekend Anthony Gallina publicly announced to all of us his intention to take the position as Director of Music at Our Lady Of Consolation Shrine in Carey, Ohio. While the news came as a surprise to the staff and me when we heard it several days earlier, I totally accept Anthony's reasons for making the move. They make sense to me.
On numerous occasions since I arrived in July of 2020, I've said what a great liturgical blessing for me has been having somebody with Anthony's education and skill who can organize the liturgies and serve them – especially the big liturgies. I've been able to step into Masses for the Easter Triduum, Christmas, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, Palm Sunday, etc., only having to worry about what it is I am to do as the priest, rather than having to coordinate all of the other ministries for the Mass. I am very grateful for that luxury!
As Anthony mentioned, his last weekend with us will be January 8th. I appreciate Anthony asking the pastor in Carey to allow him to get us through the Christmas season, before making the move. In the meantime we have begun some preparations to start searching for Anthony's replacement. Please ask the Lord and Our Blessed Mother Mary (and St. Cecilia!) to help us advertise the position effectively and to send us the right person. We wish Anthony all the best in his next new endeavor!
Have a blessed week!
In cordibus Iesu, Mariae et Iosephus,
Father Poggemeyer