- Download PDF Version available for use with email and print distribution.
To: All Priests
From: Msgr. James Schillinger, Director, Ongoing Formation of Priests
It is difficult to believe Holy Week is just around the corner. As you know, it has become the tradition of our Atlanta presbyterate to gather at the Cathedral every year, on the Tuesday of Holy Week, for our Lenten Day of Reflection, the Chrism Mass, and a banquet celebrating our priest jubilarians.
This is always a great day as we come in from all corners of the Archdiocese and reconnect with one another. The day away from routine is a welcome break and a valuable opportunity for us to pray and celebrate together as we renew our commitment to the priesthood, to one another, and to our Archbishop.
I am very pleased and grateful that this year’s presenter for our reflection is Fr. John Butler, S.J., vice president of the Division of Mission and Ministry at Boston College. I know he will speak to your heart and your experience.
We will begin our time together promptly at 12:45 p.m. with Archbishop Gregory’s remarks and introduction of Fr. Butler.
There will NOT be a lunch provided at the Cathedral, so you will want to plan accordingly. In fact, I would encourage you to do some pre-planning in this regard. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to get together for lunch with a group of priest friends, classmates, or your priest support group/prayer group. Some of our priests have been talking about forming a support group. Why not plan an early lunch on April 16 to discuss your ideas and plans? Whatever you do, please make every effort to be in Kenny Hall at the Cathedral, and ready to begin at 12:45 p.m.
At the end of our afternoon of reflection, there will be an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Several priests have agreed to serve as confessors. Instructions for this time will be given after the second talk.
Finally, the Chrism Mass will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by the banquet celebrating our priest jubilarians. This year we will be honoring seventeen priests for their combined 585 years of priestly service. They are:
Fr. Gregory Kenny, C.M.F. – 60 years
Fr. James Sexstone – 50 years
Fr. Joseph Aquino, M.S. – 50 years
Fr. Peter Fink, S.J. – 50 years
Fr. Martin Breski, O.F.M.,Conv. – 50 years
Fr. Eduardo Rodriguez, O.C.S.O. – 50 years
Fr. Sunny Punnakuiyil, M.S.F.S. – 25 years
Fr. Victor Reyes – 25 years
Fr. John Murphy – 25 years
Fr. Adam Ozimek – 25 years
Fr. Timothy Gadziala, J.C.L. – 25 years
Fr. Mark Horak, S.J. – 25 years
Fr. Malachy Osumwa, C.M.F. – 25 years
Fr. James Swanson, L.C. – 25 years
Fr. Matthew Van Smoorenburg, L.C., V.F. – 25 years
Fr. Daniel Toof – 25 years
Fr. Tomy Joseph, M.S.F.S. – 25 years
It is very important that you contact Mary Elkins if you plan to attend the Chrism Mass and/or banquet. The deadline for responses is April 9, 2019.
To be clear, you need to contact Mary with a “yes,” if you plan to attend the Chrism Mass, and a “yes,” if you plan to attend the banquet. You can contact Mary by phone at 404-456-4285 or by email at melkins@archatl.com.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone or email. I can be reached at jschillinger@archatl.com or at 404-931-7913.