Father Francis Farewell Mass

Farewell Mass with Parish Hall Celebration video

A Milestone Celebration: Honoring Fr. Francis

On December 21st, our parish family gathered for a deeply moving and historic afternoon. It was a day of mixed emotions—profound gratitude, joyful celebration, and a touch of bittersweet sadness—as we bid a formal farewell to Fr. Francis after 27 years of dedicated service to our community.

The heart of the day began with a beautiful Mass of Farewell, concelebrated by Fr. Francis and Fr. Paco. Seeing both priests at the altar together served as a powerful reminder of the continuity of faith and leadership that sustains our parish.

For nearly three decades, Fr. Francis has been a constant presence in our lives—baptizing our children, officiating our weddings, and offering comfort in our moments of grief. The "warmth" felt in the pews was a direct reflection of the love he has poured into this community since he first arrived.

Following the liturgy, the celebration transitioned to the Parish Hall, which was filled with parishioners eager to share a personal word of thanks. The atmosphere was that of a true family reunion.

While we shared delicious appetizers and swapped stories of the past 27 years, the joy reached a new peak as we turned our attention to Fr. Paco. With one loud, communal voice, we sang "Happy Birthday" to him, turning the farewell into a double celebration of life and ministry.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped organize the food, the music, and the decorations. Most importantly, thank you to Fr. Francis for being our shepherd for so many years. You leave behind a legacy of faith that will continue to grow in the hearts of everyone you’ve touched.

God bless you, Fr. Francis, on your next chapter—and a very Happy Birthday to Fr. Paco!