We expressed our thanks as a community to three old friends of Saint John's Seminary who will be retiring this summer. They will each be in our continuing prayers.
Nineteen years ago, a very young girl, Joanne Murphy-Abbott, began work as the Executive Secretary to the Rector of this Holy House. There is perhaps no one, besides the Rector, who knows more about what makes this place tick than his Executive Secretary. Indeed, on some days, Joanne probably knows a lot more than I do!
With patience, competence and deep faith, this woman has served three Rectors, all very different personalities. Yet she has served them each well...indeed she has been my right hand.
As she now begins a new chapter of her life in a much warmer climate, we congratulate her on her accomplishments, thank her for her service and promise her our fervent and grateful prayers.
In the decade during which Rich Flaherty has been Director of Finance and Administration he has brought modern principles of accounting and administration to the Seminary in a remarkable way.
As Catholic and as Irish as they come, Rich has been an instrumental collaborator as we have sought to understand and administrate one of the most complex institutions you could imagine. Yet he has always done so with loyalty to me and to the Church, deep faith and unselfish generosity.
As you begin your well deserved retirement, Rich, you have our undying gratitude for the many ways in which the Holy Spirit has worked through your hands, your fingers and your spreadsheets to bring order out of chaos. Thank you, Rich!
If ever there was a man of the Church, it is Monsignor Connie McRae. Rector, Spiritual Director, and (best job of all) Pastor of God's flock.
Whether in Brockton or Brighton or Rome, ever since Bishop Minihan first laid his hands on you, you have conformed yourself day by day to the image of the Good Shepherd. And here, among this flock of shepherds, you have twice served as spiritual director, teaching us not only by your wise words, but most of all, by your example.
You have helped us, in the words of Pope Francis, to understand "the movement of the Holy Spirit...leading us to the fullness of grace." Thank you for this holy work, Connie. You will ever be a part of this Holy House.
