May 2001

My Dear Friends,

This will be the last message that I send to you as your pastor. I can't believe that twelve years have passed and that I'll be leaving St. Brigid's on June 27 to become pastor of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Parish in Deer Park.

As I Write this message I am feeling many conflicting emotions. As you know I chose not to apply for a third six year term as pastor of St. Brigid's. I know that it was time to move on. My prayer and reflections told me that very clearly. It is not because I don't love St. Brigid's. I love this parish—my family—with all my heart.

Still, "Something" told me, and continues to tell me, that "It's time to go." It is for that reason that I had to obey the Holy Spirit and decide to go to a new parish. But leaving is painful and change is difficult.

It is for that reason I beg you for your prayers to make this change and to give my new parish all that I have. Your prayers have been such a grace for me. I don't know if I would been able to be pastor of St. Brigid's without your prayers throughout these twelve years. I also know how much Fr. Ralph Sommer, your new pastor, needs your prayers as he leaves his parish of St. Thomas More to become the new pastor of St. Brigid's. He is a wonderful man and a great priest. I am so happy that he will be taking over as pastor. I know that your welcome, your love and your prayers will be one of the greatest blessings he receives here at St. Brigid's.

So my dear friends, it's time to say "so long." I have enjoyed being part of your family so much. I have looked forward to our visits when I brought you Holy Communion. What a pleasure and privilege it has been to get to know you and your dear families. I always blessed the many pictures you have of your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren! You, and they, will always be in my prayers and I thank you for your prayers.

You have been such an inspiration to me. Your faith, your love, your loyalty and your bearing of your cross has inspired me. I am so grateful that I was privileged to know you.

My final prayer is the beautiful Irish blessing:

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back
May the sunshine warm your face,
the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Amen.

I love you,

Fr. Frank

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My Dear Friends,

On Holy Saturday evening, as Deacon Michael Metzdorff carried the Paschal candle into the pitch dark church and slowly approached the altar, he paused three times as Fr. Leonard and Fr. Cine chanted "Lumen Christi" (Light of Christ).

Everyone in church received the light from the Paschal candle and before you knew it, the entire church was ablaze with the Light of Christ. The light that each person held represented the Light of Christ's life that shines in them and brightens the world.

This Easter is a wonderful time to reflect how you have been, and continue to be, the light of Christ for many people. For many years your light has shown before all so that they might behold the image of the face of Jesus.

LET'S REMEMBER HOW YOU HAVE BEEN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST:

1. BY YOUR FAITH. You have lived your baptismal faith and passed it on to your family. Think of how many believe in Jesus because of you. Think of those you taught to make the sign of the cross and the Hail Mary. Your children and their children call Jesus their Savior because of you. LUMEN CHRISTI!

2. BY YOUR LOVE. People believe in and follow Jesus because of the love they experience through you—not because of what they read in books. People are hugged into the Catholic Church. They fall in love with Jesus because someone who loved them shared their love for Jesus. Think of those who love Jesus because you loved them first! LUMEN CHRISTI!

3. BY YOUR HARD WORK. Your generation not only worked hard to put bread on he table but also worked to build the churches and schools here in this community and all over the United States. As one drives from town to town throughout this country, the fruits of your labors and the sacrifices of your generation to build America and the Catholic Church are most impressive! LUMEN CHRISTI!

4. BY YOUR SACRIFICIAL OFFERING. At this time of your life as you offer your suffering, pain and inconvenience of being homebound, you bring blessings, love and peace upon the whole Church. You are intimately united with Jesus on the cross and your gift of yourself to Him enables us to share in the glory of His Life and Resurrection. LUMEN CHRISTI!

5. BY YOUR DAILY PRAYER. You are Christ's life today, as you have been all through your life, by your faithful and devoted prayer. Your prayer is a treasure to Jesus and to the world. As you pray as a member of the Ministry of Praise you heal, strengthen, inspire and give back to the whole Body of Christ. Every minute of the day is your prayer and your gift to the Lord. We are so grateful for your prayer. LUMEN CHRISTI!

After Fr. Leonare and Fr. Cine chanted "LUMEN CHRISTI" three different times, the people responded "DEO GRATIAS" (Thanks be to God). So in this Easter Season the Church responds: Thanks be to God for you and for all you have done to bring the life, joy, and love of Jesus to all of us. I wish you a blessed and happy Easter and I thank you for being "LUMEN CHRISTI" to the Family of St. Brigid's.

In Jesus' love,

We understand how much you want to participate in liturgy. We are delighted to invite those of you who are homebound to be with us at all the services everyday through the telephone. All you have to do is dial the 516-565-6153 at the beginning of the service. If you get a busy signal please try again.

Please remember that anyone not able to get to church because of age or infirmity should be receiving Holy Communion on a regular basis. Call the Parish Office (334-0021) to let us know if you, a member of your family, a friend or a neighbor would like to receive the sacrament at home.

Remember your ministry of prayer and fidelity at home is an important part of the life of the Church. You have a right to receive the sacraments on a regular basis. Don't be shy or afraid to inconvenience someone. If you do not call us we do not know you are homebound. PLEASE call us! We also invite you to call A Moment with Jesus at 516-333-6094, our 24 hour prayer line at St. Brigid's.

In Jesus' love,