December 21, 2008
Father Derlis

?For over two years Father Derlis Benitz has given up the familiar surroundings of his homeland, Paraguay, to minister and study here in the United States. When he first came, he could hardly speak a word of English, and though he was an accomplished Pastor, it was like he was starting all over again.

Father Derlis found a welcoming home at St. St Brigid’s, first in the Spanish-speaking community, then, as he grew more confident in English, with the rest of the parish community. I remember the joy he had when he celebrated his first weekday mass in English and when he helped with the children’s penance service for the first time.

Through these two years, Father Derlis studied media at NY Institute of Technology and is bringing home his newfound abilities to Paraguay where he will once again be the pastor of a parish, and also work in his diocese to use today’s technology to reach people with Jesus’message throughout the country. Father Derlis’s final project for school was a 25 minute DVD of life at St. Brigid’s. He first produced it in English and now has worked hard these past weeks to create a Spanish-language version. This will be a very good video introduction to our parish for newcomers.

Most of all, we will remember Father Derlis for his careful and gentle ways in spiritually leading the Spanish speaking community and for the joy and support he gave to all the priests in our house. He has been like a brother to us all.

Please join in wishing Father Derlis a fond farewell on Sunday, December 28th. He will celebrate all three Spanish Masses that weekend (Saturday 7pm , Sunday 10:45 & 12:15 (concelebrated with the other priests). Following the 12:15 mass in the school chapel, we will have a reception in Code Auditorium starting at around 1:45pm. Gracias Padre Derlis for sharing your life with us!