A Note from Fr. Fred Licciardi: Dear Sisters & Brothers,
On November 1, 2015, I began a two-year assignment as your Associate Pastor. It was a time of great fulfillment for me since I celebrated the 35th Anniversary of my Ordination on May 28, 2017. During these two years at St. Hubert, you, the people of St. Hubert have opened your arms and your hearts to me in ministry. Together we have strengthened the bonds of community.
Throughout my 35 years in ministry, I have been richly blessed in the people I have encountered and embraced. I consider myself to be so fortunate to have made many friends along the way. Approximately six months ago, I began having some health concerns which have limited me in some ways. While I celebrated my 67th birthday in July, I realized that I had to pay much more attention to those health concerns if I was to remain vital and active.
And so, through much prayerful discernment and the counsel of close friends, I have decided to retire from full time ministry on November 1, 2017. While this decision was not easy, it was necessary for my health, and therefore the right decision, considering all the personal factors of such a decision. From November 1, 2017, I will be involved in ministry as a part time priest, helping out in parishes where there is need for my services.
During the coming year, I will honor my commitments to St. Hubert Parish, helping out Fr. Mike on the weekends, and continuing my participation in the CAFÉ Ministry directed by Marie Staffa and her committee.
For the near future, I simply ask for your prayerful support that I can find the solutions necessary for my health. Personally, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Rizzo for his kindness, generosity, and leadership that brought St. Hubert many fine gifts of ministry. All ministry is a team effort and I had the privilege of serving with the finest staff in the Archdiocese. The men and women that formed our ministry team are some of the most talented, dedicated, and committed people that have made a huge impact on my life. Together with Fr. Mike, St. Hubert will always be a strong Spirit-filled faith community and you, the parishioners, should be so proud of that accomplishment.
Many warm smiles, and blessings of joy,
Fr. Fred Licciardi, C.PP.S.
In the second reading today, St. Paul gives thanks to the people of Thessalonica, calling to mind the good things they are doing as they live their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul says “our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit with much conviction.” So Fr. Fred’s words to us very much resonate with us today as he reflects on the meaningful time he’s had here at St. Hubert.
We are grateful and blessed to have had this time with Fr. Fred. His joy, warmth, good humor, and love for God, for you, and the gospel is something we will hold onto. Fr. Fred’s last “official” Sunday with us will be on November 5. But as he mentioned, we will be blessed to continue to see him when he’s able to come, including Christmas Day.
Thank you, Fr. Fred, for everything! As Paul says, “We give thanks to God for you.”