On behalf of The Family Seton Newsletter of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church and all its collective ministries we proclaim this issue: A Tribute to Fr. Kilian McCaffrey Exclusive Edition. This is the place where ministry leaders, parishioners, and friends of Fr. McCaffrey can say farewell to our pastor who has served St. Elizabeth Seton for the past six years. As he goes on to his next assignment, we present this token of our gratitude for his spiritual leadership to all of us through the good times and bad. We remember his hard work through the COVID pandemic and his determination to spread Gods message.
Along with each ministries’ thanks is a note about that ministry and how to become a part of sharing Gods message. It was Fr. Kilian who promoted each of these ministries, so it is justified that each one should showcase their work.
In true Irish style and in honor of Fr. Kilian, there will be a series of Irish blessings, sprinkled amongst the words of thanks.
To start off this edition we pray:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
The photo of Fr. Kilian in a sports car struck me as one enjoying the good life. It reminds me of a story, another pastor told at Mass in Colorado. His car was old. He traded the car for a newer used one, but with all the “bells & whistles”. Later he attended a retreat at Notre Dame University. At one of the evening sessions, the retreat master come walking in with Mother Teresa. He met her at the airport and invited her to come to the retreat. She accepted. Mother Thresa spoke about the poor. When the Colorado priest returned home, he sold his car for a cheaper one and gave the left over cash to the poor.
At Fr Kilian’s sendoff party he gave his departing remarks. One I found offensive. He referred to the folks from St Clement as “refugees” (poor & needing help). I thought we were refugees that traveled all of 2 miles away. Where Fr Kilian traveled from Ireland a real refugee. I wonder what Fr John thought as he was a former pastor of St Clement.
I wish Fr. Kilian a world of happiness on his new assignment. Don’t forget St. ELIZABETH SETON.