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June 23, 2021June a Month of Goodbyes and Welcome Within the Church
June is usually filled with transition, so parish life is filled with hellos and goodbyes. This month, we say goodbye to Msgr. Brennan as he continues his priestly duties as a senior priest at St. Matthias Church in Somerset. Msgr. Brennan enjoys the reputation of one of the finest and hardworking priests in the Diocese of Metuchen. In his short time here, his reputation for dedication and love for people has been, and will continue to be, the hallmark of his religious life of priestly service. I have known Msgr. Brennan for nearly thirty-five years, and I can attest to his humility and prayerfulness as a man of God. The parishioners of St. Matthias are blessed to have him as their spiritual father.
Blessed Sacrament Church will welcome Fr. Paul Michalowski who serves at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville. His current pastor Msgr. Joseph Celano said, “Fr. Paul has been a good servant to our parish and a good companion and partner in ministry.” Fr. Paul was born in Poland and is the eldest of four children. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2003 and has a fascinating background that has shaped his perspective on the universality of the Catholic Church. He finished his theological studies in Nairobi (CUEA), Kenya. He moved to South Africa where he ministered for twenty years, developing youth programs and missions among the poor. I am confident that our parish will welcome Fr. Paul with an open heart.
The parish also extends a warm welcome to Msgr. Terrance Lawler who is retiring after forty-five years of priestly service. Msgr. Lawler is leaving St. Mary in Alpha, NJ after seventeen years as pastor. Msgr. will be in residence within the parish and will occasionally participate in the life of Blessed Sacrament. I am sure our parish will welcome Msgr. Lawler and benefit from his many years of priestly wisdom when he helps Fr. Paul and me.
Let us continue to pray for Msgr. Brennan, Fr. Paul, Msgr. Lawler, and me as we seek to embrace the mission that has been entrusted to us through Holy Orders