About a year ago, I asked my Religious Superior permission to take a year of Sabatical = time away from the pastoral work in order to rest, pray and study. This was recently approved.
I will be leaving the parish by the end of February and a new pastor has been appointed. He will arrive in the second week of February. His name is Father Moacir Balen, c.s. 60 year old and has been a priest for 32 years. He speaks English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.
After I leave here, I will take a few days of vacation to see my family, then, I will be stationed at our Theology House in Bogota, Colombia for this year and in September I plan to go to Rome for a few months at the North American College Institute for Continuing Theological Education. In the next bulletin, I will give you my e-mail and address.
I will be sad leaving this wonderful parish as I have been very happy here as your Pastor for the last seven years. I will never forget you and I will always pray for you and your family.
Blessings always,
Father Alex
PS. My assistant, Fr. Ademir will also be transferred to a parish in Summerville, Ma. by the end of February.