October 27, 2002

Father Richard

After Sister Judy
Sister Judy Mannix is moving to Connecticut and the number one question is, “Who will coordinate the ministries at Casa Mary Johanna?” The good news is that we will welcome Yanira Chacon-Lopez, a woman with many years experience in immigration issues, to this ministry. Yanira will begin on November 4th.

Father Richard
For nearly 20 years, Father Richard Viladesau has been coming to St. Brigid’s on the weekends to celebrate mass with us. We recently got the news that he has been transferred to live and work weekends at St. Vincent de Paul in Elmont. We’re so sad to have to see him go. But we won’t let him go without having a celebration of his life among us. We’re coordinating schedules to decide on a time for a mass and reception. More info next week.

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Past Columns:
 Oct 20: Changing Seasons
 Oct 13:Technology Update
Oct 6: Youth Ministers
 Sept 29: Who's Here?
 Sept 22: God the Unfair
Sept 15: The Joy of Judy
Sept 8: Facing the Terrible Day
Sep 1: Sharing the Faith
Aug 25:Empty Shelves
Aug 18: Comemmorating Sept. 11th
Aug 11: Taking Time To See
 August 4: Moving Music
 July 28:Meet the Missionaries
 July 21: Press One Now
July 14: Having Our Say
 July 6: One Nation Under God
 June 30: Anointing the Sick
June 23: Giving Thanks to God
June 16: Father's Day
June 9: Fall Mass Schedule
June 2: Summer Plans
 May 26: Spreading the Faith
May 19: Passing Grace
May 12: Changing Times
May 5: Reason for Hope
April 28: Changing Ministry
April 21: The Poor Are Hurt Again
April 14: Celebrating 50 Days
April 7: Where have they put him?
March 31: Alleluia! Alleluia!
March 24: Hardly Hosanna
March 17: Roll The Stone Back
March 10: Here's Mud In Your Eye
March 3: Our Local Drought
Feb 24: Welcoming Bishop Murphy
Feb 17: We Will Rise Again
 Feb 10: Very Good Now
Feb 3: The Multi Cultural Church
Jan 27: Appealing Words
Jan 20:Our Wonderful School
Jan 13: Changing Times
Jan 6: Farewell Father Augustine

Columns from 2001

For two decades Father Richard Viladesau has ministered to our parish on weekends. Recently he has been reassigned to live and help out at St. Vincent de Paul in Emont. Before we let him go, we wish to say thank you and ask God’s blessing upon him.

Next Sunday, November 3rd, Father Richard will be celebrating the 11:30am mass in the church and we’ll have a reception following the mass.( Call the parish center 334-0021 if you can help by baking something or can help set-up or serve.)
When Father Fred Schaefer initiated the Italian mass, Father Richard was the first (and for some years the only) presider. He was also one of the priests who began the Spanish Mass at St. Brigid’s. Many of the homilies in his book series "The Word In and Out of Season" were originally given at St. Brigid's and the cycle B volume carries a dedication to our parish. Many people have commentedon Father Richrd’s homilies and their power to make them think, and the way in which they lead people to a greater understanding and knowledge of God.
While we all know the legend of St. Brigid and how she wove a cross out of reeds as she sought to convert her father on his deathbead, few know the “legend” of Father Richard who designed the St. Brigid Cross logo for our parish -- the original artwork can be seen etched on the glass front door of the rectory.
I had the pleasure of having Father Richard as one of my teachers in the seminary and to this day I credit him for a profound change in my understanding of Jesus. His teaching has made a real difference in my life and in the lives of so many. I’d invite you to write a note to Father Richard to tell him of what difference his ministry has made in your life. If you’re unable to come to the mass or stop by at the reception, you can drop off your note at the parish center during the week.

God bless Father Richard.
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