Father Jonathan Farewell

Sunday, June 30, 2019, 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Church

It’s been two years that Fr. Jonathan graced us with his presence as a parochial vicar of our parish. During that short period, he has endeared himself with his jovial presence- whether it was at the Mass, leading other church activities, with our kids who are part of our youth ministry and other events. But most of all he will be missed by our SJY children. Each time he showed up for lunch (which was just about every day), there would be shouts of glee from the kids and calls for him to sit with them at their table!

But some of the significant contributions that Fr. Jonathan brought to our parish, was to begin a young adult ministry which was sorely lacking. We can hope that this will continue to expand as more young men and women find a space and time to bond together and grow their faith.

Now, Fr. Jonathan gets to take his gifts and place them at the newly consolidated churches in the Pittsburgh area, anchored by St. Augustine’s Church in Lawrenceville. Fr. Jonathan is familiar with the area having served his diaconate opposite our motherhouse. He will also have the same pastor, Fr. John Harvey that he served with then and the same fraternity of friars. But in one area, Fr. Jonathan will be able to make an immediate impact—at the school attached to one of three consolidated churches. Also, the once run down area of Lawrenceville has witnessed a gentrification with a great influx of young professionals and students. That will be fertile ground for Fr. Jonathan to evangelize those who represent the future of our church.

We wish him the very best in his ‘missionary’ endeavors for the church and the order! Pace e bene- Peace and all good- Fr Jonathan!