September 16, 2024

 

Most Rev. James T. Ruggieri

Bishop of Portland Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland

510 Ocean Avenue Portland, ME. 04103  

 

Dear Bishop Ruggieri,

 

Thank you for your kind letter of September 10, 2024, inviting me to remain as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish for yet another year beginning July of 2025.  Please know how much I appreciate your confidence in me as a parish priest as well as your pastoral sensitivity regarding what may be my own plans and desires.

 

Anticipating your request, I had already been giving this matter considerable soul-searching and prayerful reflection for many weeks before receiving your letter, and I have concluded that I am indeed prepared and willing to postpone retirement for at least another year and accept your generous offer to continue serving as pastor of St. Anthony Parish until June 30, 2026.

 

In accepting this invitation, I need to credit and thank the wonderful staff and parishioners of St. Anthony.  While of course there are occasional challenges and concerns, this final chapter of my priestly ministry as pastor of St. Anthony has been a source of great joy, peace, energy and encouragement for me personally due to the most part, to a solid and affirming community of God’s faithful and loving people.  When I do retire, my successor will be greatly blessed.

 

Please convey my intentions to the Priests’ Personnel Board.  

 

Wishing you all God’s blessings.

 

    

 Rev. Louis J. Phillips, Pastor

 

  cc:  Staff and Parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua Parish