When Father Tom Shepard announced his transfer to New Haven in December, he tried to assuage the impact the news would have on the parishioners with this joke: “On a pastor’s transfer, 10% will be sad to see you leave. 10% will be glad to see you leave. 80% won’t even notice.”

This proved not to be the case for Father Tom. On January 29, 2006, Saint James Parish said an emotional good-bye to Father Shepard at a mobbed reception that lasted longer than the scheduled 4 hours. No official count was taken, but the estimated number of attendees gathering in tribute to Father Shepard was greater than 500 to be sure. Many tears were shed and many sighs were heard. Father Shepard had indicated he did not wish to receive or expect any gifts, but a separate table was set up for the countless cards and gifts that many parishioners showered on him because they had no other adequate way to express their love and appreciation for their Pastor of almost 14 years.

A DVD showcasing so many of Saint James Parish’s community gatherings was on continual running cycle. The DVD was a collection of photos taken at special events and celebrations, memorializing happy faces and happy times. Father Shepard, of course, attended each and every function and was often a familiar smiling subject for the camera.

Alicia Saunders played the harp and the choir sang the lyrics to a poem composed by Rene Egan that our Music Director, Greg Czerkawski, put to music and played on the piano. (A reprint of the poem follows the photo gallery.)

The opening ceremonies began with a simple prayer from Mike Shelto, formerly the deacon at St. James: “…Lord, we give you thanks for this parish and this priest. He will be gone and sorely missed and each of us will keep him in a place in our hearts….”

Some of the civic leaders were invited to speak:

Representative Tony Guerrara: “You have been very strong, very opinionated but always fair…I applaud you…I wish you weren’t going although I know this will be a great opportunity and wish you the very best.”

Mayor Tony LaRosa: “One thing I learned from Father Tom was to reach out to people…nothing more can be said beyond the resounding applause heard at the last Mass…thank you and you will be missed…”

Father Ken Frisbie reminisced and interspersed with his easy humor: “Five years ago, I got a call from Father Tom to see if I wanted to live at Saint James rectory but I had already put in for residency at the seminary…although he is going to New Haven, I am not….I heard about all the applause at his Masses this morning but I didn’t get any. You all will have another chance next week….A pastor will remember his first parish even if this isn’t his first parish, I don’t know [if this was Father Tom’s]….My last 5 years of priesthood has been very rich and I have gotten to know Father Shepard very well…I know he enjoys music, history, hiking, going to Florida, education; he’s taught me many things—how to appreciate people, enjoy life, an interest in further reading, and good movies…I am really happy for him. I do wish him well and I know he has a difficult job ahead of him. I’m sure he will do well…I wish you the best of luck and all good things to come to you….”

 Then Joe Guzauckas, a former devoted parishioner and now a deacon at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Newington, said: “…Seems like he’s been here forever…not long enough…he’s been an inspiration to Rosann (his wife) and me…he’s had such an influence in our lives…people will be blessed wherever he goes….”

Gerry DeSimone, recent past Chairperson of the Pastoral Council said: “I am speechless…grateful, but a bid sad. We have to share our talents and gifts, and Father Tom is a gift. We have to share him and let others share the gifts that we have…it’s not a one way street….Father Tom’s legacy will bring us closer to Christ and each other…He has a gift of communication, talking to all of us but also to each of us individually….”

Rocky Hill’s Fire Marshal presented Father Shepard a plaque on behalf of Company 2 and the Rocky Hill Fire Department in appreciation of his service. Unbeknownst to many, Father Tom was chaplain of the Fire Department.

Rene Egan, who composed the poem sung to Father Tom, brought a collective laugh from the community by blaming Father for everyone’s weight gain over the years from all the food gatherings: “It’s all his fault!” On a more serious note, she also added: “He has this way of asking you to do stuff ” (referring to the ministries).

Finally, Father Shepard took the floor amidst more applause and quipped: “Wow, look at this crowd! Do you know what‘s the first thing I think about? Let’s take up a collection! …How to thank all of you? I look out and I don’t see faces, I see friends; I see your lives and stories, great stories of faith and trust in God….You have taught me how to be a pastor….If I had one regret, there would times I couldn’t get to the hospital or [someone’s] home being the only priest….Thank you and God bless you all…Let’s pray for all of us….We’re all united and will remember each other at the Eucharist…. Many parishioners and guests were willing to share their feelings towards Father Shepard and their reactions to his leaving. Everyone expressed sadness; some were still in disbelief or were not able to vocalize what they felt. Whatever words they shared with the reporter, the love and respect they had for Father Tom was apparent.

What follows are their individual comments:

“We cannot be sad on this day that Father Tom will be leaving this parish because God’s plan is greater than our needs.” --- Monica G.

 “He’ll be dearly missed. He’s been an inspiration to everyone.” ---Betty K.

 “I feel sad, and it will be a big change for all.” ---Rita D.

“We don’t like it but we’re happy for him.” ---June C., Marcy H., Jack H.

“I appreciated the way he celebrated the Mass. I thank him for that.” ---John M.

“He took us to Lake Compounce in his new car. I thank you.” ---Peter G.

 “Just want to thank Father for taking the time to visit my daughter in the hospital when she was sick, and God bless him always.” ---Elsie L.

“He’s touched my life in a very special way and I wish him the best.” ---Leigh-Ann H.

“He’s had a profound influence on my faith journey even though I am new to the parish.” ---Maria D.

“We’ll miss him. He helped everyone over the years.” --Joe C.

“He has an uncanny ability to involve you in things like moving the organ.” ---Bob B.

 “I’m going to cry. I’m going to miss his Mass and to me he is a spiritual priest. We love him with all our hearts.” ---Lena M.

“We’ll miss him and know he will do well. It will be an adjustment for us.” ---Jim P.

 “We’ll miss him tremendously. He is a great person. He touched our lives in many ways.” ---Nora P.

“…A very wonderful pastor….He renewed our spiritual feelings. Our spiritual life is so much [more] rewarding knowing Father Shepard. We’re going to really miss him.” ---Rita P. and Jerry P.

“Good luck and be yourself and you’ll be fine.” ---Ray B.

“The only thing we can guarantee is change. Father will be a great asset down there. I’m not concerned.” ---Jack M.

“I’m very sad to see him go….Wonderful homilist and holy man…. I think he should write a book of his homilies.” ---Carole F.

“He was a very good priest. Gave great sermons. Loved the singing. We’re sad that he’s leaving us. He did a great job.” ---Betty H. and Anne H.

 “We’ll really, really miss you.” ---Mary Margaret A.

“He was the best priest for Saint James and we’ll miss him a lot.” ---Kristen L.

“I really liked you for a priest. I will miss you.” ---Jackie A.

 “Thank you for all you’ve done for the parish...We’ll all miss him very much.” ---Dominick L.

 “Father Shepard touched all our lives in a special way. He’ll truly be missed and may God bless him for all the years to come.” ---Maryanne L.

 “Father Tom, when God brought you to our parish, he knew what he was doing. He’s blessed us with your presence. God bless, best wishes.” ---JoAnne P.

 “I don’t like to see him leave. I appreciated him being here.” ---Ed M.

 “This is beautiful; everything was good, good parish, good spirit.” ---Dominick A.

“It’s going to be a sad day when I find out when he leaves. That day has come. Although I am sad, Father Tom brought much joy to me and my family. ---Pat D.

“I feel very sad. He’s wonderful. He’s helped me a lot …I could say so much more.” ---Lorette B.

“I like him very much. He made me feel good.” ---Pauline K.

“We are all very sorry you are leaving us but we will remember you all the time. Hope to see you again.” ---Annette G. and Pat L.

 “You’ve held my hand through many trials and tribulations at Saint Francis Hospital in ’93. We love you, miss you, and come for a roast pork dinner!” ---Jim and Barbara S.

 “Sorry to see him leave and wish him well. We’ll remember him in our prayers and we are sure he will do very well. Hope he doesn’t work himself too hard.” ---Tina L. and Emily D. and Carm and Sal M.

“How do you replace a good man, and when?” ---Sal M.

“Shame to see him leave. I’ve enjoyed him. He was a good pastor. We’ll miss him.” ---Al B.

“He’ll always be in my prayers and I’ll always remember what a wonderful priest he is. May the Lord bless you and keep you….He was always considerate, kind, and easy to talk to. Will miss you….” ---Connie P. and Claire A. and Millie F.

“How greatly missed he will be. We hope that without his strong singing voice that people will continue to sing!” ---Greg and Michelle C.

“My reaction to Father Tom leaving is much like many of the others I am sure. His arrival at St. James was one of the most important events in my life. His calling me to join the Stewardship Committee changed my life forever as it gave me an opportunity to truly see that all we have are gifts from God which are to be shared with others.” ---Dennis D.

“Sad…Hopefully we will be seeing him again.” ---Peggy C.

“I’m excited for him because it will be a challenge and he is up to it. I’m looking forward to meeting our permanent and temporary pastors.” ---Lorraine L.

 “Very sad to see him go. We’re both part of the Community Life Committee. He’s been very supportive in any function we decided to run. We’ll miss him and his input tremendously and his deep faith.” ---Del G. and Al A.

“We’ll miss him so much. He’s been a very holy priest. We’ve been lucky to have him. God bless him.” ---Elizabeth K.

“I think it’s great that the people of New Haven will have a chance to have such a wonderful priest.” ---Gina P.

“He has been a gift to us and we have to share him so that others may have the experience of his gifts.” ---Joanna B.

 “What I’m going to miss is my confessor. Father is a spiritual leader and he has always supported us in our pro-life work.” ---Terri L.

“He supported the fundraisers, the Steubenville rallies, and the retreats. He loved our Youth Group. I will miss him on my retreats.” ---Sarah L.

“I was inspired to join the ministries because of Father Shepard’s excitement and enthusiasm.” ---Amy B.

“I am thankful for all his hard work and dedication.” ---Jane B.

“Father Shepard, your strong faith has been an inspiration to us. We wish you well. Stay in touch.” ---Andrew and Claudine and Samara Z.

 “Always loved Father Shepard, and may God bless him now and always.” ---Mary Lou G.

 “I am thrilled to see so many new and familiar faces here in tribute to Father Shepard. Personally, though, I am devastated by his leaving. Through his leadership, spiritual example and insights, my faith has deepened and my interest in the church and its ministries has grown. He will leave an indelible mark on this parish and in the hearts of all, young and old. Thank you Father Tom, for your dedication, humor, patience, teachings, and unequaled style. May your spirit continue to shine and inspire others.” ----Donna L.

“I’m not going to say good-bye. In Italian, you say ‘arrivederci’, which means ‘see you again’”. ---Tony C.

Father Shepard’s last comment: “I am overwhelmed by the kindness and love I have experienced. I feel buoyed up by all the prayers.” “He brought us together as a church and it’s time for us to share….” ---Annmarie M.

“Father is the best guy ever!” ---Alexa M.

“My feeling is when one door closes, another opens and that the parish will rise up to the occasion.” ---Paul E.

“This is a great time to send Father off. He is of the Lord.” ---Pat B.

“As a frequent visitor (from Maryland) to Saint James, I enjoyed Father Tom’s Masses because he really got into the music. Good luck to him as he pursues another mission that he wanted to undertake.” ---Paula L.

 “As a person growing up in the church, I wouldn’t be as strong as a Catholic without his teachings.” ---Tom D.

“He’s the most caring person I’ve ever met and he has brought me closer to God. Even though he is leaving, he’ll always be with me.” --Ken D.

“I have and will continue to pray for [Father Tom] and your new pastor. And in the meantime, let us realize that our true Pastor is the Good Shepherd (notice the spelling!) and no matter what priest of God comes to lead you, you are always lead by the gentle (if sometimes firm) voice of Him who loves you enough to prove to you that you will never be abandoned- his true presence, in the Eucharist, sustains us all in good times and in bad, between pastors and in the midst of anxiety. God bless Tom and his new ventures in New Haven.” --Rev. Daniel Francis, C.Ss.R.

Reported by Donna Lin January 2006