In a few short weeks at Mass on November 1st, the Solemn Feast of All Saints, I will be formally installed as your pastor. This liturgy will be presided over by Monsignor Daniel Kutys, the Diocesan Vicar and Moderator of the Archdiocesan Curia, who will represent the Archbishop.
At this liturgy I will be invited to make an extended Profession of Faith, renew the vows that I made at my ordination to the priesthood (not to be confused with my Jesuit vows of poverty, chastity and obedience) and will take an Oath of Fidelity in the presence of the parish. With that I hope that you can try to attend this liturgy which will take the place of the 9:30 and 11:30 at 10:30am. As your pastor, Latin for shepherd, in imitation of Jesus Christ, it is my place to insure that all who come here have the opportunity to prayerfully celebrate the Sacraments of the Church, hear the word of God and be challenged and inspired to live the Christian gospel. Then there’s all of the administrative work……
As your new pastor I want to make it patently clear that I am blessed and privileged to be here at OSJ, not for its venerable history (as impressive as it is) or its beautiful liturgies (as nice as they are) but rather because of YOU- the good people of OSJ. The CHURCH, for me, is first and foremost the gathered people of God, People are the Church and it is you that I serve as pastor and teacher!
Together in this holy place, the birthplace of religious liberty in the USA, week after week , we strive to grown in faith, hope, and love and we do not do this alone, as it is only in community that the Church is realized and becomes a living sign of God’s holy presence on earth.
Here as a living sign we grow in communion with one another and with God’s Holy Spirit. Again we do not undertake this awesome act of faith alone, together we grow, together we worship together we advance in the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for welcoming me here as your pastor and please make every effort to join me as the the Archdiocese of Philadelphia formally installs me as your pastor- the 59th pastor in a long line of dedicated and fervent Jesuits.
I ask for your prayers as I assume this awesome mission f the Society of Jesus and I promise mine in return.
Thank you and God bless!
© 2015 Philip Florio, S.J.
