Message from Fr. Christopher

It has been an amazing first couple of weeks for me at St. Alphonsus. The parish has been so welcoming to me. As you can imagine, there has been a lot to get up to speed about at our parish — our staff has done an amazing job getting me in the loop on our daily operations, events, and ministries here.

For those of you curious, Fr. Eugene will remain in residence at the rectory. Since his assignment was renewed with the diocesan offices, I extended an offer for him to keep his living arrangements. Fr. Eugene has worked tirelessly in his position as Diocesan Assistant Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (Hispanic Ministry) as well as serving many weekends at parishes across our diocese.

While he is in residence, Fr. Eugene will cover many of our Tuesday and Thursday weekday Masses. He will also try to fill in when I go on vacation, though he is often booked at other parishes. Like I said, he works very hard, which is a tremendous help to the priests of our diocese. Unfortunately, we have a very limited number of priests who can cover sacraments and Masses when we go on vacation or retreat.

Although we gain some help at our parish from Fr. Eugene, we are unsure how long his current assignment will remain, plus many weekends he is serving at other parishes. However, on those weekdays I know he can be there, it frees me up to take Masses at local nursing homes as well as more frequently at All Saints Academy.

Unfortunately, our elderly community often receives few visitors, as I saw while interning last summer at St. Ann's Home. It means a lot when they have someone bring them communion or visit. And they love when a priest can offer Mass of Anointing of the Sick. I am grateful for this opportunity.

Peace, Fr. Christopher