A few weeks ago, I announced (https://blog.renewaloffaith.org/blog/?p=1807) that I would be leaving Immaculate Conception Parish at the end of June.  This required a lot of faith in God for me because I like to know what is coming.  So I have faced some anxiety as I waited to find out where I would be going.  The one thing that sustained me was remembering how God had said to me, “you have done what I wanted you to at Immaculate. Now I have something else for you. It wasn’t just the words. I received a sense of peace with the words.

Yesterday I received my new assignment.  I am happy to announce that I will be the next pastor of St. Michael’s in Newark, NY.  It will be different that life in the college town of Ithaca.  When I drove through the village of Newark recently it had a wonderful small village feel to it.  It sits just north of the thruway along the Erie Canal.  The parish lost its pastor, Fr. Felix, last Fall to an unexpected death.  I have heard that he was a very good priest and pastor to the people.  Since then Patricia Albrecht has served as the Temporary Administrator.  When I arrive there, she will return to her as Pastoral Associate.  I have already been in contact with her and know she will be a great help as I get to know the parish.

I believe that this where God is leading me and I pray for the grace to lead them according to God’s plan.

For those wondering who the next pastor of Immaculate Conception in Ithaca will be, his name is Fr. Augustine Chemo.  He is currently the pastor of St. Joseph the Worker parish covering Clyde, Lyons, and Savannah.

The change in leadership will happen June 28th.  please pray for all three parishes as we go through these transitions.

Peace,

Fr. Jeff