After nearly twelve years of loving and devoted ministry to the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Dennis Sullivan informed the parish that Father Joey is being transferred to Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Haddon Heights, effective July 1st. We all know Fr. Joey’s wonderful “Little Johnny” stories along with great homilies. We know Fr. Joey’s love of the Eagles. We know his selfless love for our faith community. No matter the day or hour, Fr. Joey would visit the sick and homebound. He is a blessing wherever God calls him to serve. The St. Rose community will come to know what we have known for the last twelve years … Fr. Joey is truly a man of God, and a friend to us.
To celebrate Fr. Joey, we are rescheduling the parish picnic to honor him on June 30. Fr. Joey will preside at the 10:30 AM Mass following by the picnic on the grounds in Mullica Hill.
As we received the news of Fr. Joey’s transfer, We also received news that Fr. Christopher Bakey will be joining our parish as parochial vicar. We will welcome Fr. Chris with open arms. Both Fr. Joey and I have known Fr. Chris for years. He’s a good guy.On a personal note, I’ve shared ministry with numerous priests in various parishes throughout the diocese. Fr. Joey is at the top of that list. He welcomed me five years ago and ministered to me in so many ways during my cancer journey with compassion and self sacrifice. He’s my friend. I’m sure we agree his church family and home is here.
Again, The picnic this weekend is rescheduled to Sunday June 30 following Fr. Joey’s farewell mass at 10:30 AM. Let’s pack the church!