October 13, 2024
Fr. Gallagher was the pastor of my home parish when I was growing up. I considered him “old” then, and yet in truth, he was only a few years older than I am now. Funny how these things happen …
What I remember most about Fr. Gallagher is the way in which he was a true father to the parish community. He would often walk the streets of our neighborhood, checking-in to see how his families were faring. He was there whenever a parishioner was mourning the loss of a loved one. He heard countless Confessions, baptized scores of babies and celebrated joyful moments in the community, too. In a word, he was always there, listening and loving as Jesus Himself would.
This past weekend, Bishop William Koening officially appointed me to become the next pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish/St. Jude mission church. I follow many spiritual fathers/priests who have come before me who in their own unique way have made this a home for countless Elkton and North East families to grow in their faith and love for Jesus Christ. When we commit to doing this together, we truly live the meaning of ‘Church’ as Christ intended. In the end, that is why we are here as a parish: to help each other grow in holiness. Let us bring the love and mercy of Christ and the power of His Good News to every corner of this county and beyond. Let us invite others to come to know how our Catholic faith has made a difference in our lives and continues to transform our hearts. Let us be the ones to tell the world that we are not afraid to live our faith with boldness and compassion - - to listen and love as Jesus Himself would.
Know that as pastor, I am always here for you, just as my home pastor once was for me and my parish community. So, too, are Fr. Gebhart, Fr. Jerry, Deacons Mike and Ben as well as our wonderful staff. (I couldn’t do any of this without them!) Please pray for us.
Thanks to all who made last Sunday’s installation a beautiful moment both for me as a priest and for our parish community, celebrating 175 years of faith and family together as one Body in Christ.
Love, Fr. Rich