Father David Mary
St. James Church Sunday Bulletin
8 February 2020

May the Lord give you His peace!

It is my distinct honor and privilege to be named the Parochial Administrator of Saint James Parish.  I am excited to join you as we come together to set course on a future full of hope, light and joy.  I am grateful and deeply impressed by those who have held things together as they waited for a priest to be assigned.  Thank you!
For the past 33 years of my religious life, and 23 years of my priesthood, I have been a popular preacher at Youth and Young Adult Retreats, Parish Missions, and Men’s Conferences.  I have ministered as a High School, College, and Hospital Chaplain.  Often, I have preached retreats for men and women’s groups, religious sisters, seminarians, and diocesan priests.  At times, my ministry brought me to the toughest neighborhoods in New York and Philadelphia.  I have traveled the country, and indeed, the world and have seen the Church struggling through these dark and difficult times for Catholics.  However, at the same time, I have seen a future full of hope and possibilities.
I know that these last few months have been difficult for the parish, but I want to assure you that our God is a God of hope, light and joy.   Guided by His Grace, and energized by the truth of His love for us, we can look forward to a bright and joyful future.  It is the love of Jesus for us that dispels all despair.  It is His Truth that disperses the darkness, and it is His Cross and Resurrection that fills us with joy.

As you read the bulletin, you will see that Saint James is alive and well.   We have re-implemented daily Mass and added additional weekly Masses, confession times, and adoration.  In Lent, we will begin an Adult Faith Formation program open to everyone.  We will also be initiating men’s and women’s prayer groups designed to help men and women develop their unique spirituality.  There are also plans for a married couple retreat day at the Parish Center, and so much more.

These is much to do to repair the damage done to the Church building.  As we do, let us also work hard on making our hearts a true sanctuary for the Lord.   Together, let us assist each other in living holy and joy-filled lives.

I would like to invite you to join us, as we, the Parish of Saint James, take a bold step forward toward a future of Hope, Faith, and best of all, Joy.  Guided by the redeeming love of Jesus Christ, we move ahead without fear!  May Saint James guide us and protect us.

May God bless you and Mary keep you,
Fr. David Engo