Dear Parishioners,

This is my last weekend here as your administrator, and I want to express a fond farewell to all of you. You have made me feel so very welcome over the course of the past year, and many of you went out of your way to help me get settled during my first few weeks. Together we navigated a significant transition in the life of the parish and recaptured the proud heritage that belongs to Naples’ first Catholic community.

Some things stand out in my mind. First, it is the charism of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales to offer everyone the gift of Salesian Spirituality. I am edified that this approach to gentle living in the present moment has been so well received and that a Salesian reflection group has been formed in the parish. Second, I am grateful to the staff of the parish, our school personnel, and those who exercise ministries of service in our parish community. I asked many of them to stretch in new directions. I thank them for their trust in me. I also thank my ordained colleagues. Father Reji and Father Bill provided invaluable assistance to me in understanding the ways of the parish.

I add one more wish – that you will welcome the new team of priests with a warm embrace, discovering the unique gifts that each one brings. Finally, let us promise to pray for each other until we meet again.

With love and affection,

Rev. Robert G. Mulligan, OSFS

Administrator

I want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement this year. Thank you for such a warm welcome to Naples, Florida. The St. Ann community will always hold a dear place in my heart. I have never underestimated your friendship or your love-they are most important to me.

These are my final wishes for you:

Like St. Francis de Sales, I too encourage all of you to be bonded together in love. As the Gospel reminds us, to be real men and women of faith, to be real disciples of the Gospel of Jesus begins with emptying ourselves of our stuff to create the place for God to dwell and fill. Continue to show great love to one another as a sign that you recognize the depth of your love and forgive-ness in Christ Jesus. As you develop this bond of love you will then be equipped for the tasks of evangelizing. Your lives will preach the good news of forgiveness and love and many will come forth to join themselves to the forgiving and loving Lord and to this faith filled community.

I pray to God that all of you who have signed your names as members of St. Ann parish will also have your names written in the Book of the Living in heaven. Enjoy and welcome the new priest team, they too are filled with the love of the Lord. Commit yourselves to do all things in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales with compassion, humility and gentleness. Share your time, talent and your treasure.

I want to thank you again for the wonderful party, cards, gifts, support, prayers and love.

As in the famous words of St. Francis de Sales, I echo them too, “Those who go stay, and those who stay go.” Part of me stays with you at St. Ann and part of you, the people of God, goes with me to my new ministry.

For all that as been I  thank God , and all that will be I trust God.

Rev. Reji Joseph, OSFS

Parochial Vicar