Today, Fr. Tom celebrated his final Mass at St. Charles, leaving our parish community for the Church of the Nativity in Longwood. During his homily, he had a few words to say about his time at our parish and to reflect on some of the moments of his ministry. I had absolutely no idea that he was going to announce to the congregation that his proudest moment as pastor was a decision that was handed down this past week. He then told the parishioners that as the former Vocations Director for the Diocese, his dream was to always have someone from his parish to be accepted into the seminary and become a priest. He then told everyone that the Diocese had accepted a new seminarian – you guessed it…ME! It was an awesome experience being in that church at that moment!

St. Charles will not be the same without Fr. Tom and he will be missed. However, I am positive that Fr. Augustine will be an excellent addition to our church community.

Good morning everyone!! Yesterday, at about 5:00 p.m., I received a phone call from Fr. Miguel, Vocations Director, that I have been accepted as a Seminarian in the Diocese of Orlando!!!!!!!!! More news to come next week!!! I will continue to keep everyone posted.

Thanks again for all the prayers and truly remarkable support and love!!!

Just to keep everyone posted, the Seminary Committee will meet on June 11th!! After the meeting is completed, Fr. Miguel will contact all of the candidates to let them know of the committee’s decision. A few more days of waiting!!!!

Bye for now…