Retirement

Father Johnson, 70, said he has received as much as he has given from those he’s connected with in long-term or hospice care. In addition to Stella Maris, he serves those at Mercy Ridge Retirement Community and St. Elizabeth Hall assisted living.

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 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.

During his time at Holy Spirit, Father Joseph Simmons oversaw the building of a new church (dedicated in 1988) and the construction of a $1.9 million parish center after a fire destroyed the original one Dec. 16, 2009.

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.