Everything is possible with God ~ Our Farewell to Fr. Andrew

It was with great sadness that the People of God at St. Elizabeth's said farewell to our beloved pastor and friend, Fr. Andrew Sagayam. However, despite our sorrow, we celebrated Fr. Andrew's ministry and service to his parish family with a beautiful Mass of Thanksgiving on his last Sunday with us, June 6, 2010. The church was packed!

Our parishioners will keenly feel the loss of our Fr. Andrew, whom we had come to know and love as a fine priest whose reverence and spirituality was as natural as the air he breathes. His continuing trust in God's providence even in discouraging circumstances (remember when our church ceiling fell into the sanctuary?) is the legacy he leaves his parish family. "Everything is possible with God!" is what he continually reminded us whenever another problem or challenge faced us.

We presented Fr. Andrew with several cards and gifts; and a reception was held in the parish hall after Mass.

Several important additions that enhanced the spiritual life of our parish community took place during Fr. Andrew's years with us. We now have a Wednesday evening Mass dedicated to the sick of our parish and our families. We also celebrate Benediction on the first Sunday of the month, a practice that had not been seen in our parish in more than twenty years. Several parishioners asked Father if they could say the Rosary together before Mass on Sundays - another practice that he was pleased to agree to. As you can see, Fr. Andrew was always open and sensitive to the desires and needs of his people. This blog was another addition begun during his time as our pastor/administrator. He always encouraged people to contribute to the blog and for us to place pictures of our major celebrations on it and on the parish website.

After a trip home to visit his family in India, Fr. Andrew will be moving to the Diocese of Houma in Louisiana to begin a new chapter in his life of ministry and service to God's People. We pray that God will bless and keep him; and that the Holy Spirit will guide him wherever he goes and in all that he undertakes. Amen!