This week I have begin my column with personal reflections, one new item and an update.

It was a glorious celebration: my farewell Mass last Sunday. The music was superb, the Church was filled with parishioners, everyone who came to the reception in the parish center had a wonderful time. I have several words of thanks and gratitude.

I want to thank everyone who planned the Mass and reception. I want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone who gave me cards and gifts along with the expression of personal sentiments.

I also want to thank everyone for welcoming me and accepting me as a parishioner. St. John’s has been an experience I will never forget all because of you.

As I said in my closing remarks at the end of my farewell: this is not good bye, rather, it’s I’ll see you later. I will be back to visit and celebrate Mass with all of you.

I will be leaving St. John’s either Friday, September 2nd or Saturday, September 3rd. Here is my new address and other personal information.

Our Lady of the Mountains Friary
300 E Oldtown Rd, Cumberland, MD 21502
Parish number: 301-777-1750
Cell phone: 412-xxx-xxxx (available in the bulletin here)
E-mail address: (available in the bulletin here)

Welcome Father Tom Betz, the new pastor of St. John’s. Many of you will recognize him as he lived at St. John’s for 25 years. In addition to Father Tom celebrating Mass occasionally at St. John’s, he administrated Holy Redeemer Chinese Church on Vine Street.