July 17, 2022: Church Updates

Dear Parishioners:

I hope this message finds the Parish well and enjoying the beautiful days of summer.

I write to inform you of a couple of changes here at St. Cassian Parish. I would like to introduce Mr. Nicholas Fallivene who will be the Parish's new Director of Faith Formation. This is a newly created position here. These changes at the Parish will be part of our Parish's pastoral restructuring. Mr. Fallivene will have several responsibilities, in that he will be directing our religious education program; lead the sacramental preparation, as well as Adult and Family Faith formation. In the restructuring process, the director of religious education position, which had been a part-time job this past year, is now part of Mr. Fallivene's responsibility. At the same time, directing our evangelization program is also absorbed in the restructured position.

Nicholas Fallivene comes to us with great educational experience. He has been a special education public school teacher since he graduated college. He is also a devout and practicing Catholic who is very excited to join our staff. To say that he brings great energy to the position would be an understatement!

After four years, Mr. Gregory Hann, who was the Director of Evangelization, is no longer with us. Also, Miss Mary Flanagan, the Director of Religious Ed last year, has taken a new position closer to her home. I want to thank them both for their service to the Parish and I want to welcome Mr. Nicholas Fallivene to our Saint Cassian staff.

Another change that I want to inform the Parish of is that, while we just began our summer Mass schedule of Sunday Masses at 7:30 am, 9:30 am, and 11:30 am, after long thought and consideration, that will be the permanent schedule moving forward. In years past, we would ordinarily return to our four Masses on Sunday, but the current summer schedule will be permanent.

Some have asked me why we are changing this permanently. The answer is simple: after the pandemic, our weekly congregation numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, while Msgr. Anthony Kulig will continue to help at the Parish, generally, it has become more difficult to find “helper” priests when they are needed. Finally, we will also be able to reduce some costs by keeping the schedule.

The time for CCD classes on Sundays will change slightly to 10:30 am; the choir will be singing regularly during the 11:30 am Mass, and the children's Liturgy of the Word will be within the 9:30 am Mass.

Just a reminder that the celebration of the Feast Day of St. Cassian will take place at the 11:30 am Mass on Sunday, September 25. Bishop Manuel Cruz will be the main celebrant and homilist.

Again, I just wanted to keep you all updated on what is going on at the Parish and let you know that I am praying for your during these summer months, as we continue to return to normal, especially come September.

Blessings to you,
Fr. Marc A. Vicari,
Pastor