Father Joseph Zaleski receives his chalice and paten from Archbishop Chaput at his ordination on May 16. Photo courtesy CatholicPhilly.com.
Ave Atque Vale is a Latin phrase which means, "Hail and Farewell". It usually has a bittersweet meaning to it, as does here in these next few lines.
The statues of the Archdiocese state that a priest, upon reaching his 75th year, must submit a letter of retirement to the Archbishop. In April, Father Ferrier turned 75 and the Archbishop has graciously accepted Father's letter but has asked him to stay on at SKS in the position that he presently holds. So, even though Father is "officially" retired, we will see no change in his many activities here in the parish.
The next news is more on the bitter side of the bittersweet equation. Father Will Monahan has been promoted to be the first assistant at St. Timothy Parish in Mayfair. Father has been at St. Katherine's for the past five years and has been a wonderful housemate and a dedicated parish priest. I know that when the time is right and he becomes a pastor, he will take with him many of the good things that he experienced here in Torresdale. We are most grateful to him for all that he initiated and the things that he oversaw while he worked in this portion of the Lord's vineyard.
Of course, Father Will's promotion leaves an opening at St. Katherine's. On Saturday, May 16th, the Archbishop ordained seven men to the priesthood. One of the newly ordained, Father Joseph Zaleski, originally from St. Martin of Tours parish, has been sent to St. Katherine's for his first assignment. A priest's first assignment is very influential in his life. I know that our parishioners will band together to give Father a wonderful and educational first experience. Read more about Father Zaleski in this article on CatholicPhilly.com.
At last, but certainly not least, as been announced before in the Sunday Bulletin, Dr. Robert Hall will be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate by Archbishop Chaput on Saturday, June 6. Deacon Hall will participate in a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday June 7th at which he will fulfill the Office of Deacon at the Mass; proclaiming the Gospel, Preaching the Homily, and assisting at the Altar for the Eucharist. After the Mass there will be a lawn reception to greet the new Deacon and wish him well. All are invited to the Mass and the gathering on June 7th.
May God bless each of these good men and strengthen them in the days ahead!
~Father Kennedy