On Sunday, March 15th, St. Anselm Parish took the opportunity to say “Thank You” to Monsignor Phillips for his 18 years of service among us as our pastor and his residence with us as pastor emeritus. The highlight of the Mass, which was made especially splendid by the music and singing of the children’s choir, was the dedication of the parish’s Rosary Chapel as the “Monsignor Michael J. Phillips Rosary Prayer Chapel”, in thanksgiving for Monsignor’s decades of service in the diocese and at St. Anselm.
At the Mass, Monsignor spoke movingly about how touched he was by all the expressions of love and affection. Monsignor thanked Fr. Kevin and the St. Anselm parishioners, telling them how grateful he was for the gift of his ministry as a priest and asking God to bless us all.
The festivities then shifted to the McMahon Auditorium in the Academy building with a joyous reception during which parishioners had the opportunity to thank Monsignor in person. At the reception Monsignor was presented with a Photo Album of his years of service, thanks to the many parishioners who contributed photos.
A celebration such as this does not happen by itself, and so we say thank you to a small army of volunteers who made the Mass and Reception a success: Jeanine Condon, Florence & Ossie Diaz, Barbara Fabris, Bob Kassenbrock, Danielle Long, Eileen & Peter Loughlin, Bernadette McLaughlin, Janet Muccigrosso, Linda Naradovy, Diane Rando, Mary Jane Tunny, Jo Volpe, Eileen White, Joe Williams, Troop 18G Leaders Mei Guo and Shirley Chin, Troop 18G Scouts – Addison, Alicia, Amy, Annie, Chloe, Katelyn, Leanne, Sophie, Parent Volunteer Sherwood, Rafael, Esteban, Nelson, Evelyn, and Fr. Kevin!
And, thank you to all the Saint Anselm Parishioners who came to the Mass and the Party to make the day special for Monsignor Phillips.
Thank You – Monsignor!
All the best,
The Saint Anselm Publicity Committee