Justin Thurber spoke of "The Top 10 things I like about Monsignor Gerry":
10. He always has a smile on his face.
9. He is a very good pastor.
8. If you happen to get kicked out of CCD class for talking, he doesn't get mad.
7. He is a phenomenal ladder holder.
6. He is good at PowerPoint.
5. He prays for my favorite sport teams - the Red Sox and Patriots.
4. He cares about the community.
3. He is nice to everyone.
2. He puts a lot of effort into the Church.
1. He makes our Parish proud!Kevin Christofaro shared A Quick Story and a Few Thoughts:
A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I were visiting her Mom at the Nursing Home when her uncle Father Eward McGovern came in to visit as well.
Inevitably the conversation turned toward the Ceremony held at the Cathedral. (March 25 - Celebrating the new Monsignors)
And there were two things that struck me as I listened to Father Ed.
The first was how animated and excited he still was for his colleague and dear friend.
And the second thing that struck me was when he spoke of the reaction not only of his fellow priest but that of the entire staff and support personnel as well. Everyone was elated!
And for all of us fortunate enough to attend that evening, it was evident just how special an honor it was as Monsignor Sabourin's name was announced. In Father Ed's words: "Quite extraorinary to say the least!".
So as I thought about what I might say today, I searched for one word that best describes Monsignor Sabourin. And the one word that came to mind was Genuine.
Genuine in the way he often honors the memory of his mother and father whom he credits with helping him become the man he is today.
Genuine in his honesty to share with us how he too struggles at times to just understand.
Genuine in his lifelong commitment to those who are challenged that they have a strong voice and a loyal friend, and to to those whom he and Sister (Antoinette) took in, a place to call home.
Genuine in his respect and admiration for Sister who has shared with him in this remarkable journey.
Genuine in his passion and love for this Parish and its people so we too will always have this Place, Kateri, to call Home.
So, it is only fitting that we are all gathered here today to celebrate your success and to honor your achievement. And most of all to say Congratulations and may God bless you and Sister with many more years here with us.
My friend, your friend, Monsignor Sabourin.Sue Jennison had this to say to Monsignor Sabourin:
When Sr. Antoinette asked me to say a few words about Msgr. Gerry, I was both honored and nervous. I'm not a speech writer or a speech giver.
But after 24 years as a member of the Kateri Family, I think I can speak from the heart for all of us.
This is a day to celebrate the honor of Msgr. bestowed upon Msgr. Gerard O. Sabourin. I would like to list some of the gifts that the Msgr. has given us as our pastor, and in doing so, reveal some of the many reasons why he has earned his new title.
24 years ago when we moved to Exeter from North Providence, I was invited by a friend through Jane Rogers to come to Mass on a Saturday night. Jane said "Just come and see what it's like. It's so different at Kateri. It's like no other church you've ever been to." And she was right!
I'd never been to a church that was once a garage, let alone a garage with stained glass windows! I'd never been to a church where small children were allowed to wander around during Mass if sitting still was not an option! I'd never been to a church where the collection basket wasn't passed - much to the chagrin of a visiting priest one Sunday when Msgr. Gerry was away. I'd never been to a church that was also a farm, and a group home - with 4 beautiful residents, all of this under the supervision of Fr. Gerry and Sr. Antoinette.So Kateri became our spiritual home, somewhere I could take my then 4 yr. old son Joel (who, by the way, was one of those children that had a hard time sitting still), and begin his teaching of the Catholic religion. We experienced the birth and baptism of our second child Carly, and both children made their First Communion and Confirmation here. In 24 years I have seen many Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations all led by Msgr. Gerry. I'm sure that every family here feels fortunate to be part of the Kateri family as it continues to grow today under your watchful eye Msgr. Gerry. And that's evident through the large number of young families here that are a very active part of our parish.
But I know that the growth hasn't always been easy for you Msgr. When it was time to decide whether to stay a small Catholic mission or grow into a full parish, though we were divided, you urged us on as one. Our beautiful chapel is a testimony to your perseverance and hard work - and the hard work of all here at Kateri. It will be a place to worship and celebrate for generations to come.
Through it all you have been our spiritual leader, counselor, and friend. Through your example you have taught us the true meaning of the Golden Rule - do unto others, as you would have them do unto you, - and to love thy neighbor as thyself. You have shared your love with children of all ages, communicating at each individual's level, making each feel important. And they love talking with you as well. We have watched your tireless calling to help the disadvantaged. We've witnessed this through the many Masses for the deaf and the handicapped here at Kateri.
The Spring Newsletter for the J.Arthur Trudeau Center had as their front- page article a tribute to Msgr. Gerry. Sr. Antoinette was quoted in this article saying, "He helps those least valued by society and gives them a sense of worth." Many of us know how hard you worked to get the Ladd Center closed and to place all of those folks into group homes where they could participate in life instead of merely passing the days with little or no attention.
If I had to summarize the character of Msgr. Gerry, rather than words, I would use a picture that has always stayed in my memory. It was a Sunday after Mass when you hadn't yet taken off your vestments. Ben Johnson had been your server that day, and he knew it was time for a snack. So there sat the two of you, on the step to the altar, eating powdered donuts and engaging in pleasant conversation like two old friends.
And Msgr. Gerry, may God continue to bless you - and all of the families here at Kateri - with many more years to enjoy your friendship and spiritual leadership. You have touched our lives in so many ways that we will never forget. Though you will always be Father Gerry to most of us, a very humble man with a heart of gold, you have truly earned our respect - and your new title of Msgr. Congratulations from all of us.
Sister Antoinette Jacques, RJM:
And so it is that today the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community is honored to have as its pastor one, who is Chaplain to His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, the one who is featured in the Musieum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, and the one who is recognized by a House Resolution from the State of Rhode Island. Great as these honors might be in our hearts and minds, our pastor will always be "Father Gerry", the fatherly pastor always available to listen to anyone in need; always ready to pitchi n and help wherever help is needed, but especially the pastor who constantly strives to balance following the letter and the spirit of the law; the pastor who emulates his model, Jesus Christ, by showing acceptance and compassion to all.
Thank you, Monsignor Sabourin, for all that you are and have been for each one of us. May God grant you many more years with us.A Visual Presentation by Beth?? Resolution - House of Representative
from the State of Rhode IslandMonsignor Sabourin
A PowerPoint Presentation
the honor which His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI
bestowed upon him, in naming him a Chaplain to His Holiness.
Monsignor Sabourin extends his thanks to all
who have been with him throughout his years of
priesthood and to all who prepared and participated
in this Mass of Thanksgiving. He would also like to give
a special thanks to Chef Marty, his wife Donna,
his daughter Becky, his son-in-law Mark who provided our delicious dinner.CONGRATULATIONS
Monsignor Gerry
Email: Gsabourin@dioceseofprovidence.org Copyright © 2009 Norm Léveillée
© Tous droits réservés
