Community Corner
St. Joe's Bids Farewell to Rev. Schlafer, Msgr. Guarino
Father Joe heading to parish in Bohemia, Msgr. Guarino will retire.
On Father's Day, St. Joseph's Church said goodbye to a greatly admired Reverend, Joseph M. Schlafer.
Father Schlafer has been with St. Joseph’s since 1999, serving two six-year terms. He has been appointed as the new pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish in Bohemia.
In his final thoughts to the people of St. Joseph’s, Father Schlafer said, “...I will always be applauding you for your great faith and the generosity with which you share that faith in so many different ways.”
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He added that he's “happy to have known so many warmhearted generous people who not only have so much to give, but give it unhesitatingly.”
Father Joe expressed tremendous gratitude to have had so many followers and wants them to know they are "his people." He served St. Joe's for 12 years.
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Also in June, Rev. Msgr. Charles A. Guarino celebrated 45 years of priestly life and ministry. After receiving permission from Bishop Murphy, he is now able to retire. He, like Father Joe, celebrated his last mass at St. Joseph’s Church on June 19.
In his final note, he expressed “…gratitude to you who have so graciously accepted me, welcomed me into your homes, invited me to dinner or kindly complimented my homilies and celebrations of Holy Mass.”
Msgr. Guarino celebrated his 70th birthday five days prior, on June 14.
