Vaya con Dios!

“Go with God!”

This weekend, these words are with two special people who have supported and encouraged young adults in the West Essex community: Fr. John Gabriel and Fr. Anthony Randazzo.

Fr. John will be leaving as Pastor of St. Thomas More with his assignment as Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Newark and of Emmaus House – a residence for those discerning priestly vocations. Fr. John’s welcoming and hospitable nature has imbued his time at STM. Fr. John just returned from a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and will say his last Mass at STM at 10 AM on Sunday morning. A reception in O'Connor Hall will follow after Mass.

May you have the grace of encouragement

To awaken the gift in the other's heart,

Building in them the confidence

To follow the call of the gift.*

This weekend, Fr. Anthony will receive friends and good wishes at Notre Dame as he prepares to leave for a sabbatical. We hope that Fr. Anthony will return at Christmas refreshed by his travel, study and prayer to continue ministering in the same way he promises to return his phone messages (and in the way we have come to rely): “with compassion.” Following all Masses this weekend, you can catch up with Fr. Anthony—or attend the Open House from 1-4 PM. Fr. Anthony will preside at the 10:30 AM and Noon Masses.

May you travel safely, arrive refreshed.

And live your time away to its fullest;

Return home more enriched and free

To balance the gift of days which call you.*

Godspeed.

*Both these blessings can be found in “To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings” by John O’Donohue.