Retirement

Monsignor Thomas Lee Phillips has gone from being a student challenged when learning Latin, a high school teacher and associate pastor to a highly regarded pastor of two area churches for nearly 40 years.

Monsignor Robert Hartnett, 70, said he has always tried to be welcoming and inclusive.

Monsignor James P. Farmer, who has served as pastor of several parishes and who has been a tireless advocate for the rights of the unborn throughout his priesthood, will retire soon, but doesn’t plan to slow down too much.

Father Michael Roach’s life could best be summed up by one of his favorite quotations, by St. Clement of Alexandria: “All life is a holy festival.”

As he prepares for retirement, Monsignor Carl Cummings said he has been gratified to help people join the Catholic faith – or return to it in the sacrament of penance.

“I’ve never wanted to be anything else but a parish priest,” said Father Ruane, 78. “I’ve enjoyed being with people during significant transitions in their lives – mostly through administering the sacraments, visiting the sick, preaching and teaching.”