My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As many of you know, Rev. Richard Gallagher has retired and returned to his home in Cape May. We certainly thank God for the three years Father Rich spent with us here at the Parish of St. Theresa and for the many good works he did within the Parish Family. We all are also aware that Monsignor Ron Amandolare has been in declining health since January of this year and has retired to the Terraces Assisted Living Community here in Little Egg Harbor. We certainly continue to pray for Msgr. Ron and give thanks for the 12 years he served here in the Parish.

With these two wonderful men moving into new chapters of their Priesthood, I find myself as the only Priest here at the Parish of St. Theresa. As we continue to update our parish census, we realize that we have approximately 3,500 families registered as part of our ever growing Parish Family. Ministering to our Parish Family might, at first glance, appear that this might be an impossible task for just one priest. However, I feel confident that with God’s help and the wonderful support and encouragement of our Parish Family I will be able to accomplish what the Lord has called me to do as a Roman Catholic Priest.

I have spoken to Bishop O’Connell and he and his personnel staff are certainly aware of the situation here at the Parish of St. Theresa. Bishop has told me that he will do everything possible to find us some help, especially for the weekend masses.

All of this points out the very real need for all of us to increase our prayers to our Lord for young men to hear and respond to God’s call to the Priesthood.
In his message of April 21, 2013, Pope Francis said:

“Behind and before every vocation to the priesthood or to the consecrated life there is always the strong and intense prayer of someone: a grandmother, a grandfather, a mother, a father, a community…. This is why Jesus said: “Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest,” that is, God the Father, “to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38). Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only through prayer can they persevere and bear fruit.

Let us invoke the intercession of Mary who is the Woman of the “yes”. Mary said “yes” throughout her life! She learned to recognize Jesus’ voice from the time when she carried him in her womb. May Mary, our Mother, help us to know Jesus’ voice better and better and to follow it, so as to walk on the path of life!”

Having served the Diocese of Trenton as Vocation Director for almost ten years, I can assure you that the Lord is indeed calling men from every age and background to answer God’s call to serve him in the Priesthood. But these men need encouragement. A man considering answering the call to the Priesthood today is met with so many obstacles that often they simply resign themselves to what may be a futile pursuit. These obstacles range from peer pressure, the expectations of society, and the resentment of many against the Roman Catholic Church to parents who do not want them to turn away from what could be lucrative careers or from the possibility of having a wife and a family. Sometimes these dissenting voices can resonate louder in the heart of these men that the call of Christ to follow him.
Thus I am asking all of you please pray that these men will hear God’s voice through the din of voices that would discourage them. Remember what our Holy Father has said; “Vocations are born in prayer.”

O Lord, my God, You renew the Church in every age by raising up priests outstanding in holiness, living witnesses of Your unchanging Love. In Your Plan for our salvation You provide shepherds for Your people.

Fill the hearts of men with the spirit of courage and love that they may answer Your call generously. Give parents the grace to encourage vocations in their family by prayer and good example.

Raise up worthy priests for Your Altars and ardent, but gentle servants of the Gospel. Give the Church more priests and keep them faithful in their love and service. May many men choose to serve You by devoting themselves to the service of Your people. Amen

May God bless you always,
Fr. Mick