Dear Friends in Christ,
Most of you would have heard the announcement that His Excellency, Bishop Sullivan, has assigned Father Kennedy to the position of part-time Parochial Vicar at the Parish of Saint Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights and part-time Director of Catholic Identity at Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill. This assignment is effective on July 1, 2019. I am happy that Father Kennedy’s talents are recognized and that he will continue to work in a parish and also affect our future generation of Catholics in high school. Father Kennedy is at peace with this transfer, but there is always something special about the first priestly assignment. Father has been a blessing as a friend and it has been a lot of fun being stationed with him. There have been a lot of laughs as you can imagine! Father’s working with our Carnival Committee especially stands out as an area where he has been a true gift. Father also was so helpful with the many special Masses that took place at Our Lady of Hope. His recent assistance during the days of Bishop Galante’s Funeral was invaluable. Father always knew where we should go for dinner. I wish that I could snatch his restaurant guide, but unfortunately he keeps it in his head! I am sure that you will want to wish Father every blessing as he prepares to leave our parish for his new work. On Saturday, June 29 after the 4:30 PM Mass, there will be a light reception in our Parish Hall along with presentations from various groups involved in our parish life. On Sunday, June 30, all during the Masses, there will be light refreshments in the Parish Hall with Father Kennedy being available to greet the faithful outside of the time he will be offering the Mass. Father Kennedy’s signature greeting is “What’s going on?” Father Kennedy’s background in business and his natural ability to size up a situation will allow him to continue to find out “what’s going on” and to teach people about what should be going on! Thank you Father Kennedy for your priesthood, your friendship and your service to the faithful of Our Lady of Hope. May our lovely Mother Mary, Lady of Knock, watch over you all the days of your life.
God bless you,
Father Szolack