Celebrate Priesthood was a 'joyful' celebration

By Margaret M. Russell |  The Catholic Free Press

Hundreds of people gathered to honor the priests of the Diocese of Worcester last week at Celebrate Priesthood - Taste of the Diocese.
“It was a joyful celebration,” said Michael P. Gillespie, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development, which organized the gala.
Celebrate Priesthood is an initiative that raises money for the diocesan Priests’ Retirement Fund. Taste of the Diocese, the fourth annual fundraiser, was held in the Atrium of St. Vincent Hospital.  
All diocesan priests, active and retired, were invited to attend and socialize with current and former parishioners.
Michele Connor and Lois O’Leary, of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in West Brookfield, met up with their former pastor, Father David B. Galonek, who is now retired.  
Sara Howland from St. Mary Parish in Shrewsbury took the opportunity to chat with Father James M. Boland of St. Patrick Parish in Rutland. Mrs. Howland said her daughter works with Father Boland’s mother, Virginia Boland, at St. Bernadette Parish in Northborough.
Retired Father Richard G. Roger didn’t pass by the St. Cecilia Parish table before tasting the French meat pies being offered by Jeannine Brideau and Kathy and John Daelhousen. St. Cecilia’s is gearing up for its annual Christmas in Acadia festival, Nov. 10-11, where the meat pies are a staple, Mr. Daelhousen said.
Esther Njonge set up the African Ministry food table which has its own version of meat pies.
All the food, beverages and desserts were provided by parish groups, diocesan ministries and local restaurants.
And for the Polish pierogis and kielbasa, one only had to visit the gregarious women from the St. Mary’s Guild of Catholic Women who manned the Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish table. Halina Kowalczyk, Jane Gustowski, Joanne Szlyk and Genevieve Sobiech were among the first to set up their table for the evening. And retired Bishop Reilly set up his table across from theirs, where he greeted and was greeted by priests and parishioners.
 Most of the evening was free for conversation and food tasting but there was a short video, created by the diocesan Communications Ministry, featuring retired Msgr. Richard E. Collette. Also, several presentations were made to Bishop McManus.
Msgr. Collette talked about the book he wrote, “Shepherds for My People,” in which he tells stories of his 65 years of priesthood. Throughout the year he sold his book at church fairs and other venues (including at Celebrate Priesthood) and presented a $10,000 check to Bishop McManus to support retired priests.
Mr. Gillespie said more than $235,000 was raised through sponsorships, advertising in a program book, and donations.
The family of the late Father Philip D. McNamara presented Bishop McManus with $100,000 for retired priests’ needs.
“Our uncle loved the priesthood,” said Michael McNamara who was joined at the podium by his wife Maribeth, and sisters Kathy Ohman and Maureen McNamara to make the presentation. Father McNamara died last November and was featured in the program book.
The other priests who died in the past year, Father Edward J. Moran, 55 years a priest; Father Eusiquio-Arranz Munoz, 52 years a priest; and Father J. Normand Tremblay, 64 years a priest; were also remembered at the gathering.
In a thank you supporters, Bishop McManus writes, “Please be assured of my deepest appreciation for your support of the Diocese and its many charitable programs. ...  The Priests’ Retirement Fund needs assistance beyond what we can do through Partners in Charity or other ordinary diocesan funding sources.
“I continue to be encouraged by the outpouring of support from people who want to recognize publicly the good that priests do and the impact that priests have on their lives.
“Your compassion and generosity toward those who are in need are a valuable witness to the hope and light that Christ brings to the world.”