Prayers and Best Wishes

Fr. Kevin Regan takes up his new assignment on July 6, as Parochial Vicar at St. John Neumann parish in Gaithersburg. Thank you to all who contributed to the beautiful celebrations on June 24 with your presence and expressions of love and support for Fr. Kevin!

Our Parish Celebrates

Farewell receptions hosted by the Parish Pastoral Council and staff members were held after the 10am, 11:30am, 1pm and 5:30pm Masses on Sunday, June 24.  Fr. Regan celebrated the 10am Mass with Deacon Merella as homilist and twenty-one altar servers (!) in respectful attendance. Below are photos of the Mass and reception. Our thanks to all who contributed to the beautiful celebrations!

A Message From Our Cathedral Rector, Msgr. Jameson

Looking Back in Appreciation

One thing that all priests know is that in any parish, priests come and go.  Some stay longer than others, but we all move along to new opportunities of service.  We have  received word from the Cardinal that Father Kevin Regan is being assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. John Neumann Parish in Gaithersburg, effective July 6.  Father Regan has been with us for three years and has been involved in so many ministries and programs.  We will especially remember him as the Cathedral Master of Ceremonies; the staff liaison for the Young Adults, the liturgy committee and its ministries, and the baptism program; and a generous contributor and participant in many other Cathedral programs and events.  I will certainly remember all the weddings he presided over, his knowledge of Facebook and so many other technological wonders, his youthful exuberance, his love of the priesthood, his friendship and willingness to do whatever needed to be done. 

Our Chance to Say Farewell and Thank You
on Sunday, June 24

I think all of us want to express our sincere appreciation to Father Regan for all that he has done for us here at St. Matthew’s.  As a token of our appreciation, there will be receptions on Sunday, June 24 following the 10am, 11:30am, 1pm and 5:30pm Masses.  You are all invited to join us in the Great Hall for some refreshments and the opportunity to say “thanks” to Father Regan.

Looking Ahead to Challenges

You may be wondering, “Who is replacing him?”  Unfortunately, the Archdiocese does not have enough priests to have another associate here at the Cathedral.  Father Regan’s many responsibilities will be distributed among all the staff.  I will also turn to the Parish Pastoral Council to assist the parish in more concrete ways.  For this next year we must all join together, roll up our sleeves, and work together as a team.  Parishioners have many expectations—I know that.  But now I must respond, “How can we do this together?  Who else can help us?  Is this a priority?”  I’m turning to you all.  Step up to the plate.  St. Matthew’s is OUR parish.  Each of us is a stakeholder, and each must have a sense of ownership.  Together we can make it work.  Before I leave on vacation, I hope to publish how Father Regan’s responsibilities will be distributed.  You will then know who to call for the various tasks.  In the meantime, feel free to call me or Maureen Hurley until the list is worked out.          
                                                       —Msgr. Jameson, June 2012 Parishioners' Letter