Join us on Saturday, June 24 at the 5:00pm Mass to say farewell. Reception to follow in Heller Hall.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The life of a priest has many blessings. To share in the lives of those he ministers to is a great and humbling honor. And yet we know this life is not our own to direct but to be directed by our Lord. To go where we are needed, "to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk with your God." So it is with very mixed emotions that I announce that Fathers Bashista and Tran will be leaving us on June 28th. I am saddened to lose their faithful witness, their dedication to the people of our parish and their fraternal company. I know that they will bring their many gifts to others within our diocese.
Father Tran has been with us for five years and I am grateful for his service, good humor and yes, even bringing his dog Jamie into our lives. She will be equally missed. Father Tran took on new responsibilities with our youth while at the same time dedicating many hours to our Boy Scouts here and within the diocese. I would be remiss if I did not mention that he was a wonderful chef as well. Father will join Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville as their new parochial vicar.
Father Bashista came to us last year from Marymount University and has done much with our liturgical ministers and altar servers. He was also involved with our School. His kind demeanor was perfect for our students as they learned from him the significance of the various parts of the Mass; but moreover it was his presence in their daily lives which had an even greater impact. I am thankful for his work with our RCIA program, bringing new souls to Christ through his own Gospel witness. Father will be stationed at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Lake Ridge as Pastor.
Please join me in welcoming our new parochial vicars, Father Phillip Cozzi and soon to be ordained Father Steven Oetjen (Deacon Oetjen will be ordained to the priesthood on June 10th at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More), who will arrive on June 28th. Many of you may remember Father Cozzi from his days as the Chaplain at Bishop O'Connell. Father Oetjen is coming to us from his studies at the North American Pontifical College in Rome.
Please join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for Fathers Bashista and Tran and welcome to Fathers Cozzi and Oetjen.
In Christ,
Fr. Posey