1981-1991 - Holy Spirit, New Hyde Park, NY

Holy Spirit church, New Hyde Park, New York, decorated for Christmas

My first ten years in New York were truly memorable, mostly because everything was so new to me and I was welcomed like an extra-terrestrial from a different planet. I was the first foreign/missionary priest to serve in that parish and believe it or not I was the sixth priest in that parish when I arrived. Soon we went down to 5, then 4 and we were three for most of my years there. Under the guidance of my dear friend Fr John Heinlein, I integrated quickly and well into the life of the parish. Since I did not drive, I was on my bike for two and a half years, until I got my license in February 1984, and then came my my Toyota Tercel, my first car. The church itself was in the shape of an Auditorium with beautiful stained glass windows on both sides, displaying symbols of the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. The large Catholic school was a blessing to me as I spent a lot of time mingling, visiting and teaching the children, and I can still remember each child's name, as I'm trying to do in my new parish in Bend.

6 priests and 13 nuns, a well-staffed parish indeed!

The parish also had a convent with 13 Dominican Sisters, most of whom are now enjoying eternal rest, but most of them were active at school, homebound ministry and other duties. They were all extremely gracious to my parents when they visited on a few occasions. Among the many great memories from that parish are the banners I made, Retreats with the Youth Club, starting donating blood, Easter sunrise Mass, going to Lake Placid and Saranac on a few trips, bike trips to Montauk Point, Children's Masses, visiting families and so much more.