Dear Fellow Parishioners,

This Feast of the Epiphany will be the last weekend before Deacon Jim’s retirement becomes effective on his birthday during the following week. While this may seem sudden to some – including me – who regard any such retirement as far too soon. Deacon Jim reached the official retirement age for deacons five years ago. He generously served for five more years, until now, when he reaches another landmark birthday.

Deacon Jim has served at St. Vincent’s for 24 years, roughly as long or longer than any pastor in the history of this parish, except for Fr. Kiely (1915-1968).

As you may know, Deacon Jim’s residential parish is St. James across town, but he accepted an assignment to St. Vincent’s as his adopted parish. His late wife Pat, however, remained at St. James. They were, each in their own way, guiding spirits of both parishes.

During Deacon Jim’s near quarter-century of diaconal ministry, he served at more Masses than any pastor or associate for a comparable period of time. My mind spins at the thought of a quarter-century of Sunday Masses, baptisms, weddings, funerals, Christmas liturgies, Easter Vigils and Reconciliation Services. My mind spins even more at the thought of future such liturgies without his sure, guiding hand. For many years, he has also assumed responsibility for our church’s sound system, a bigger and far more difficult job than nearly anyone can appreciate.

Not content with his service to our parish, Deacon Jim has also been a leader in Kairos, ministering to the incarcerated, including at San Quentin. On the rare Saturday afternoons he was absent from at Mass here at SV, he was almost always with his Kairos colleagues.

Deacon Jim has also been an active member of Kiwanis International, known for their community-directed service projects. In addition to his participation in their activities, he created tremendous goodwill for our parish simply by being who he is.

Next Sunday, January 12, with the help of the Knights of Columbus, we will be hosting a reception for Deacon Jim as he enters into official retirement. The reception will take place in the parish hall from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Don’t be surprised if you still see Deacon Jim from time to time, as he assures me that he will not be disappearing altogether. I will do all I can to hold him to his word.

Happy New Year!
Fr. Bill Donahue