My dear friends of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish,

A blessed Saturday in honor of Our Lady as we gather shortly at 12 noon to pray the Rosary outside.

When I was studying in the seminary, our Rector, the then Msgr. Timothy M. Dolan, used to say frequently to the new 1st Theology Students: "You are most welcome here!" Know that Father Rafferty, with Father Thumma and Carlos, coordinated rolling out the welcome mat to me when I arrived at the parish this past Wednesday eve from JFK airport!

Even though I am in the early part of my 2 weeks of quarantine, I have felt very welcomed here and at home from the sign the Sisters prepared, to the basket of welcome notes from the school, to having a chance to speak over the phone with a number of our personnel and staff. 

During these days, I will be getting over jet-lag, unpacking my belongings that have been in storage for the past 5 years (talk about Christmas morning with each box I open!), settling in and getting up to speed with various things in the parish.

Have a blessed Sunday and know of my prayers for you! Please pray for me.

In Jesus and Mary, this month of Our Lady,

Msgr. Luke Sweeney