premium website buildersDear Parishioners,
Each year, our Bishop, in consultation with the members of the Personnel Board, considers the pastoral needs of the Parishes in our Diocese. Often a Pastor or Parochial Vicar is either ready to retire or is asked to move to another assignment creating a position in a parish that needs to be filled.
Saying goodbye is never easy, especially to those who have made a significant impact and difference in my life, so, it is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will be leaving St. Nicholas & St. William Parish and School to serve as Pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish in San Jose. St. Leo- is the sister parish we generously supported through the “Helping Hand Campaign” when they were in dire financial constraints due to the pandemic. With the promise of my obedience to the bishop, I am committed to helping St Leo thrive and grow.
Our beloved Fr. Robain Lamba will also be reassigned to another parish. This news was bitter-sweet for me, the Pastoral staff, and the school community. His warm loving priestly presence will be missed by all. But now he has the wonderful opportunity to share these priestly qualities with the parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
Please know that I will truly miss this amazing community of St. Nicholas & St. William of which I share my heartfelt gratitude for all the support, guidance, patience, and love that you have shown me as a first-time Pastor. You have been with me through the Good, the Bad and the Ugly moments. You were there with me as we navigated through the stormy waters of merging two parishes. You helped me persevere during the unprecedented times of a global pandemic. Emerging through trying times and enjoying all the good times, has created a spiritual bond where I see you not as parishioners, but as family. So, as family please be assured that you will always hold a special place in my heart as I embark on a new journey.
As you warmly welcomed me with open arms, I ask that you do the same for your new Pastor, Fr. Matthew Stanley and the new Parochial Vicar, Fr. Johannes Busch as they are looking forward to being a part of this vibrant community.
I ask that you keep both Fr. Robain and me in your prayers as we begin the transition of our new assignment on July 1.
With much love in Christ,
Fr. John Poncini
Pastor