Dear Families,

I want to share the news that Joanne DePasquale Parent, our Confirmation Coordinator and Youth Minister, has accepted the position of Associate Director of Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Newark, effective Monday, September 28, 2015.

Since Joanne joined our staff nine years ago, she has led hundreds of families through the preparation and celebration of their teens’ Confirmation. In addition, she has helped nourish the spiritual journey of our parish teens as leader of our Antioch, Crossroads/High School Faith Sharing and Middle School Youth ministries. Words are inadequate to express our gratefulness and appreciation to Joanne, and we can only wish her the best on her continued personal, professional and spiritual journey.

In the interim, as we pursue securing a permanent leader to fill Joanne’s areas of responsibility, please note:

• Marilyn Zarzycki, our Director of Faith Formation/Religious Ed., and Diane Byrne, Middle School Faith Formation Coordinator, will oversee our Confirmation program.
• Deacon Alfredo Fanelli will lead our Crossroads/High School Faith Sharing and Middle School Youth Ministries.
• Pete DeNigris will oversee the Antioch ministry.

I am grateful for the support and prayers of all of you as we journey through this transition.

Father Paddy
Pastor

Serving as your Youth Minister and Confirmation Coordinator has been a privilege and a great source of joy for me. I have been blessed beyond measure by your love, support, trust, and encouragement. I will carry these blessings close to my heart always.

Heartfelt thanks to all who have welcomed me, served with me, prayed with and for me, or taken part in any aspect of Youth Ministry/Confirmation Preparation. Your authentic witness to the love of God inspires us all to deeper faith. I am forever grateful for your generosity of time and talent. Because of you, our faith family is stronger, more vibrant, and richly blessed. You have made a powerful difference in my life. My prayers will be with you as you continue to bring our youth closer to Jesus through your faithfulness, kindness, and compassion.

I’m especially grateful to have worked with so many amazing young people and an incredible parish staff, whom I will miss dearly.

With sincere gratitude,
Joanne DePasquale-Parent