God Bless Father Frank

Community Bulletin Board

What Father Frank has meant to us...

Thanks for visiting this page.If you haven't already submitted your comments, we invite you to add your two cents!

He has taught me many things; God's love is unconditional. People come first. All are welcome at the table of the Lord. There is always room for laughter in God's house.

--Mary Jane Witte
Music Minister

Our family looks forward to visiting your church for Good Friday services every year - it has become a part of our Easter preparation - it's also the place where we celebrated our vows - and learned so much about our faith - Elmont-Selden-Huntington-West Islip-Rocky Point-Westbury - looks like we'll be spending next Good Friday in Deer Park.How many pizzeria's are there on Deer Park Avenue?

--Nick Tortorella
Friend of Fr. Frank who visits St. Brigid's

Fr. Frank has touched my life in many, many ways . . . I could not even begin to name them. Frank preaches with his life. His extraordinary talent to preach reaches the hearts and minds of his listeners because he lives what he believes. His positive nature, his passionate love for Jesus, his zeal for the priesthood, his warmth and welcoming embrace of all God's people has energized and motivated me in my ministry and in my relationships with those I love. He has helped to set my priorities in order and has convicedme that holiness is in doing the ordinary with extraordinary love.

--Estelle Peck
staff member since 1985, married with three children, parishioner since 1976

Father Frank does not know me, does not know my name, and yet he has held my hand and led me back home. His loving gentleness, the joy he allows others to see, and extraordinary sense of humor has allowed me see the holiness of everyday ministry. I will miss you Father Frank Gaeta, and I pray for your happiness and spiritual fulfillment.

--
St.Brigid Parishioner

He has made me appreciate being a Catholic, even more so than I have in my life. Father Frank has shown us the true meaning of love and family.

------ A grateful, loving parishioner.

He has always been there when ever anyone in my family needed him - whether it was a daughter who was writing a paper at college, another daughter who called him for an address, or any of us who just needed a kind word or a Fr. Frank hug.

------ St Brigid Parishioner

The book "Parish! A Year In The Life" by Robert Keeler was the incredibly powerful catalyst for me to join (as a reform Jew) the RCIA [Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults -- the Catechumenate] this past year. Audrey Schencman Viscardi's RCIA Story (& to a lesser extent the other RCIA stories in the book as well) in that book together with Father Frank's chapter about Father Marty Klein, wherein Father Frank noted that it is perfectly fine to keep the Jewish traditions sacred in one's heart despite converting (rcia)especially as he stated that it was perfectly fine to retain one's Jewishness notwithstanding converting to Catholicism, via RCIA.

------ Marsha Lampert
Visitor to St.Brigid's

Father Frank is a blessing to the whole community. St Brigid's is a welcoming place - people from all walks of life attend. The rich and the poor, sit together, hold hands in the Lord's Prayer, He welcomes the diversity of the community and has done so much to insure that St. Brigid's is a family. The friends that I met here in the past six years mean everything to me. Another thing - when Father Frank gives you advice, listen, take it and live it . In one instance I wish I had listened more attentively. I love you Fr. Frank and will miss you.

------ Chester Barkan
Relative newcomer (5 years) who is at home at St. Brigids

Father Frank gives simple messages in his homilies that I could use during the week. I am well educated but I do not like "theology lessons" that I find hard to use in daily life.

------ A parishioner for 15 years

He restored my "dying faith " in those charged with the spiritual nourishment of God's people.

-- Nat and Marie Watson
--A Marriage Encounter Couple from Roosevelt, NY

Father Frank has touched our lives so many times. He has brought life and laughter to us all. He will be missed, but I know he is leaving us in capable hands.

--Parishoner since 1968

Father Frank has touched my life in such a positive manner on so many occasions at church services. The messages he delivers are so appropriate. I believe God sent him at this juncture of my life when I needed it most. I am raising young kids and he often preaches about the sanctity of parenthood. I love being a parent and to hear my priest expound on its holinesses made me feel holy. Thank you Father Frank. Love & best wishes forever.

------ Marline
Parent of Young Children

Father Frank is a very genuine, loving person. He will always help someone in need and never give up on that one person. When he speaks he speaks the truth. He shows how the Bible can relate to our lives; he shows how we can make our lives better in the image of God. He brings out the best in us when ever he speaks to us. When I went to church while I was young, I found church to be a ritual. I would go every Sunday because all my family would go. At that time my faith was not strong. But because of Father Frank I became strong in my faith and became more involved in my faith by becoming an altar server. And I thank Father Frank for it.

--Parishioner

Father Frank has touched my life so profoundly and in so many ways that this small space for a few, brief comments can never do him justice. However, if I have to choose just one lesson I have learned from him it is this: Love with all your heart, with all you've got, and NEVER HOLD BACK! St. Francis of Assisi once said that we should preach the gospel 24 hours a day, and, if necessary, use words. That's Fr. Frank. He preaches and teaches by example.

------ Frank Pesce
Husband, Father, Deacon

Fr. Frank showed me that there was room for everyone, even me, in the Catholic Church. His loving view of people reflects Jesus' love for us in a way that warms and welcomes us. He has changed my life for ever. He will always have a special place in my prayers and in my heart.

--Someone who returned to the Faith after more than 50 years

Father Frank has touched my life in many ways. I am proud of my Church and of Father Frank. He has shown us what being Catholic is all about. His kindness, sense of humor, and absolute love of all people have left a lasting impression on my life. I will always remember the red rose Father sent me when my husband passed away last year. I thank you for all you have done.

-- Carolyn Sorber
A longtime parishioner

Father Frank's insight, compassion and humanness have touched my life in so many ways. He has a way of relating scripture to our everyday lives. He speaks from his heart and reaches out and touches ours with his words. By example he shows us how to live as children, parents, spouses and friends. He shows us how to love, how to forgive and how to be there for one another.

-- Susan Porteus
Organist at St. Brigid for ten years. Married with two daughters.

Father Frank has empowered me to give beyond what I thought that I was able. I have found great joy in ministering to others. But it is his example of faith that I cherish most. He is truly a Priest of the Lord. He personifies for me the quintessential Priest. I thank the Lord for his prsence among us because he truly is a figure of Christ for me and for us.

------ Manuel J. Ramos
Miembro Fundador de la Comunidad Hispana

Fr. Frank has touched myself and my family in ways that words could not do justice. He has been a true shepherd. In all my years here at St. Brigid he has given me the most insight into what it means to be a child of God. And he has shown through example how wonderful it is to reach out to each other and to embrace one another as a sister and brother.

-- Laura Naughton
Parishioner

I always will remember Father Frank's many invitations to join him from 'Holy Hour' to 'Happy Hour'. Many times I felt that the Holy Hour was the Happy Hour. The liturgy often had a blissful timelessness about it. Father Frank was able to be a sacrament of God's joyful love for me. I can still see him beaming with joy, proud as God the Father would be, walking up and down the aisle holding a newly baptized baby (sometimes two!) . I feel priviledged to have been part of these Holy/Happy Hours. Thank you, Father Frank!

-- Michael Mundy
Parishioner

--Carolyn Sorber
A Longtime Parishioner

Father Frank's great love for Jesus comes through in everything he says and does. St. Brigid's Parish has always been blessed with the exceptional priests and pastors assigned to us. But, with Fr. Frank, we have the exceptional among the exceptionals. He has taught us by his practical theology and great humor the unconditional love God has for us, and for me personally, Fr. Frank has been the outstanding teacher and guide on my "Journey". And, hasn't it been fun!

-- Rose Marie Santilli
A Parishioner for Over 40 Years

His homilies always make me go that extra mile to do God's work. Somehow he always makes me feel that I'm a better person than I am--leave Mass with such a great feeling! I treasure Fr. Frank's true faithfulness--his sense of humor and let us never forget St. Patrick's Day Mass!!!

--Lifelong Parishioner

Being involved in many of the parish youth activities, I have come to know Fr. Frank pretty well. I must say that he is an amazing person, one of whom I admire. I am especially grateful for his presence on the Youth Retreat each year at Shelter Island. He made reconciliation more relaxed on us students. Fr. Frank is an angel from above, who brought love,life, and laughter to our parish! God Bless you Fr.Frank!

--18 Year Old College Student

I have enjoyed all the multi-cultural celebrations, but especially I enjoyed every Thanksgiving mass and his sermons have touched my heart.

-- From the Spanish Community

Even though our parish is huge, Father Frank has given me the feeling that I belong to a small hometown church with a loving family feeling. He exudes love and acceptance and I cannot express the gratitude I feel to him fully. My children were baptized and received their first communion here and my daughter married here. My grandchildren visit to hear the rock mass. My eyes fill with tears at all the beautiful ceremonies and memories he has created here. I thank you Father of love.

-- Grandmother who has been a member for 34 years

He has definitely brought me and my family closer to God with his words of wisdom at each mass.

-- Tracy Pascarella
I am married to Joe and have a 2 yr.old daughter, Nicole.

Yes, he was a wonderful pastor and will be missed greatly. My husband and I are parishioners at St. Brigid's for 43 yrs and our three daughters were married from this Church. He was loved by many and has brought numerous people back to our Church and God. I know he will do the same for his new Church and I hope he comes back to visit from time to time.

-- A longtime parishioner,parent of 3 daughters and married 43 years.

Father Frank is a man who is in touch with his own feelings and he is filled with a very real faith and love. He offers these to others in a positive way. The health and vibrance of St. Brigid's parish spills over from her head, the pastor and his team. Gifts are called forth and rejoiced in. This is a good model of the church. Our family has been privileged to spend Good Fridays and Easter Sunrise Services at Lido Beach with our brothers and sisters at St. Brigid's among other visits. We thank you all for making it possible.

--Tom & Jeanette Van De Water
Parents of four grown children, grandparents of four wonderful girls

Father Frank's kindness and wisdom saved me from despair and led me back to the church after twenty five years. I can never thank him enough.

-- Parishioner

Fr. Frank is a very special person. Living and working at St. Brigid's, with this man of God, has taught me so much. Through him, I have learned to have patience not only with others but in my own life. Fr. Frank is always willing to listen and does not judge, no matter what you may have done or felt. By his example I have learned to put others first and to not always think of the world revolving around me.

-- Kris Marasca
Longtime parishioner, Part time receptionist at the Parish Center

My spiritual awakening coincided with Fr. Frank's arrival at St. Brigid, so it is difficult for me to think about any part of my growth in Lord without thinking of Fr. Frank. But my most touching memories are those of my children receiving their sacraments at the hands of Fr. Frank... Baptisms at the Italian Mass, First Communion, and my son (who is generally oblivious to faith) stating that after being Baptized by Fr. Frank and receiving First Communion from him, could not possible choose any other priest for his First Reconciliation.

-- Gia
Vice President - Italian Community, Director - Italian Choir, Mother of two

Just as other groups have rites of passage, Hispanics also have a coming-of-age ritual for Latinas known as "Quincea–era". It is rooted deep into Latin America's culture, thousands of years back, to the indigenous people who inhabited the New World when the Spaniards first arrived. This is a day that every "Quincea–era" will remember for the rest of her life. This tradition was brought to Saint Brigid Church by the many Hispanics living in the Westbury area and Long Island. The first "Quincea–era", officiated by Father Frank Gaeta, was held at St. Brigid Church on Saturday, August 26, 1995. It was by chance that Father Frank was chosen to officiate at this ceremony. The fact is that it should have been Father Thomas Costa, who was assigned to minister to the Hispanic Community at St. Brigid Church, but he was not available and Father Frank was honored to preside at this very important ceremony and part of Maya A. Wilson's life. Was he scared? You bet he was. Did he turn down the challenge? No way. This ceremony was held in Spanish at the church and Father Frank was soo good that many the guests came out of the ceremony saying "He speaks Spanish very well" Our answer to that was "Of course, Our Father Frank speaks the languages of all the people of our community". He did a beautiful job. Later on that day, Father Frank joined Maya, her family, relatives and friends for a simple, but delightful luncheon at her home. What is the "Quincea–era"? This custom brings out the religous and spiritual dimensions, that Catholics of Hispanic origin, celebrate with special emphasis on the awareness and sensitivity of the young lady in dealing with the values, concerns, and challenges of the Christian community. It is not a sacrament, but the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist may very well be integral parts of the celebration. For this reason, the event should be celebrated in the most simple form possible, with the religious part, being the most significant of the celebration. There are four gifts to be given to the young lady at the time, each with a specific significance. The Medal symbolizes the religious expression of faith. The young lady is placed under the protection of the person represented by the image on the medal. The Ring symbolizes the tie and the responsibility the young lady has to the community and to her God. A diamond ring is usually given. The Bible is a compilation of books in which we get inspired by God. It is given to the quincea–era so that she will get to know Jesus and grow in her faith. The Rosary represents a holy way to prayer to God, in which we praise the Blessed Virgin Mary by repeating her prayer which tells us that Mary is the Mother of Jesus, our God, and she is our Dear Mother too. Said in union with her family, the quincea–era helps to strengthen her religious ties within her family. God Bless You Father Frank, you will always be a part of our lives.

-- Gloria T. Wilson
A longtime parishioner and an active memnber of the Hispanic Community.

Father Frank has brought God's love into my life. When I think of Fr. Frank, I think of unjudgmental acceptance, no matter what my state of life is. Family life, in all its forms, is important. He has also made me feel as if I have a good chance at reaching heaven. To be with Fr. Frank is to see the face of a loving God and father.

-- Diane Gentile
Parishioner

Where can I begin to say how much Father Frank has meant to me?
One of the most precious and touching memories I will have of him is the way that he took the time to write me a personalized card after he celebrated my mother's funeral mass. In this card he thanked me for allowing him to celebrate her life and her death. I still have the card.

Over the past twelve years I have seen him laugh, weep, smile, eat and most of all enjoy who he is. He is truly the "face of God" to all.

--- Mary Pat Keegan
Longtime parishioner, 1st Communion teacher for 27 years, choir member

He has made St. Brigid's Parish a very caring and inclusive parish.

-- Helen Sheehan
A longtime parishioner

Fr. Frank always says beautiful things about people and he tells great stories.

-- Josephine & Clemente Pannella
Happily married for 26 years

I am most touched when I watch Fr. Frank perform a Baptism, especially the way he carries the baby around the church.

-- Paul and Paula Salvo
Italian Community/Choir

Fr. Frank is a man who has learned to be a priest the hard way. He earned it through night-long vigils with grieving families, painful losses, glorious celebrations and hundreds of sacraments that he performed here at St. Brigid. This angel knows his "stuff". You are most blessed at Ss. Cyril's and Methodius.

-- Marion Marchesi

Father Frank has much love and the desire to pass it on to others. I have learned ways to do just that from listening to him. God blessed us with Father Frank. God speed. Keep passing on the blessings.

-- Parishioner of 5 Years, Widowed, Grandmother, Happy

Fr. Frank is so human and so real. I have often marveled at his gift of creating a circle of love in such a large and diverse community as St. Brigid's. There are many qualities I admire in him. I frequently return home from liturgy to jot down an inspiration he shared in my journal. His openness and love makes me feel free to get one of his great bear hugs each time I see him. I find myself thinking that this is something I would love to do to Jesus if he were still alive today. Many times he has made me feel holy in my marriage and my vocation as a parent. His sense of humor makes me laugh deeply. He has reinforced how crazy I am about Jesus and my commitment to grow in faith. One idea he mentioned, which I had never thought much about before, was wrapping our gifts to the Lord. I find this a creative image in expanding my own generous heart. I must admit before listening to his suggestion I would write my check for the weekly collection while driving to church, sometimes as I stopped at a red light or just before getting out of the car. These days his funny stories about giving have changed me. Now I write my gift to the church a week or two in advance. I do this over a good cup of java or a glass of wine and some crusty Italian bread with salami. I enjoy this slow relaxing process and find the giving to my church community more meaningful. As I listen to him at liturgy my heart is always lighter and I often feel like skipping out of church. For he has taught me that the only thing that is as important as breathing is sharing my love with others.

--Sophia Mundy
Parishioner, parent of young child

Fr Frank has touched my life in that I now have a real deep relationship with Our Lord and Our Lady...Jesus loves us all so much no matter what our state in life...in spite of our past sins...if we are truly sorry then we are forgiven and accepted into the family of Christ...

-- Vita DeGeorge
Parent of a teenager...a 9 year old and a 7 month old grandson

I never really thought that the day would come I would graduate from high school and feel so incredibly overwhelmed by the love and humor of other people. For six years I have dedicated my life to the 10 o'clock family mass. Weeks would come that I could not make it, but once my license was final, there was not one week I missed. And the day I graduated was Fr. Franks final family mass. At the beginning of the mass me and Tamar were presented with flowers for our service to the family mass. And all throughout the mass, I felt like Fr. Frank must not know wheather to laugh or cry. But as the dedicated Family Life team came out dressed as nuns, and sang Oh Maria, and as we the children of God stood around this humble human being, God touched my life more than he has in my 17 years. I never knew that God could be so well disguised, but sure enough he was with our dear Fr. Frank. And when Estelle Peck got up and said: "To love another person, is to see the face of God." Thank you Fr. Frank for letting me see the face of God so much in you. I will miss you, and you have touched everyone's life in so many ways. God Bless You!

-- Carolyn M
Junior Lector

Thanks for visiting this page.If you haven't already submitted your comments, we invite you to add your two cents!