From the Heart of the Pastor: THANKS FOR GIVING ME THE THRILL OF A LIFETIME!

I write my final bulletin article as your pastor, with a grateful heart for the outpouring of love and affection you have shown to me during my eleven years with you, particularly in these past six months as you bombarded heaven with prayers for your pastor and his father. My dad was so grateful for your prayers: When I told him the news about my transfer to Fatima, he immediately asked me to let you know how grateful he was for your prayers. To all of you who sent food, and flowers/plants, and sympathy cards, accept this medium of exchange as my way of expressing thanks on behalf of my Mother and siblings. In the midst of packing for a new assignment, I probably won't be able to get around to writing personal "thank you's". My father loved Assumption, especially the choir. He would have been elated that his funeral was so beautiful thanks to them. I'm going to miss him terribly. Since day one of priest hood, we had a secret way of communicating after my homilies. I would always look at him upon my return to the Presider's Chair to wait for his "signal". Regardless of how the homily went, he always gave me an approving nod; that's the kind of father he was. The parishioners of Fatima will miss out, for my dad would have been in the pews there, too; always eager to introduce himself as "the real father Russo." Please continue to pray for his soul, and for my mother. She had a beautiful love affair with my father. I can't imagine the emptiness in her heart right now.

So many memories come to mind as I leave you. The first I mention for humor sake. It was during my second or third weekend here that the Church was robbed after Mass. Someone came into the sacristy after the 8am Sunday Mass to ask me if he could be an Altar Server. He looked suspicious so I asked him to come see me later in the week. Perry, our sacristan, was out on vacation that weekend, so I was hanging around to prepare for the next Mass. As I walked back into the sacristy, the suspicious looking young man had his hand in the collection basket. He took the bag and then began to run...and I ran after him. I had him in my arms, holding him back, when I suddenly thought: "This guy might have a weapon on him," so I let him go. God was on my side; the "robber" ended up taking one of the empty collection bags. A month long police investigation followed but nothing came of it.

I also remember the morning I woke up to find satanic graffiti painted on the side of the Church. My heart was very heavy that day. We quickly had it washed and cleaned within minutes of the discovery and kept things quiet so as not to startle anyone.

One of the saddest moments of my time here was the day my chalice was stolen. It was handcrafted in Rome and was a gift to me from my Grandparents. We never did recover it. But, on one of my overseas trips, I found a beautiful handcrafted chalice in Palermo, Sicily. Being of Sicilian heritage the chalice is all the more significant to me. My Great-grandparents on both sides came to America from the Port of Palermo. The chalice now has my Dad's wedding ring underneath it. During his illness, he had given his ring to me for this purpose. And what about the successes So many of them: for one, a completely renovated Church. When I arrived the Church was under litigation for defective shingles. Later we went into litigation for termite damages. What a mess! By the time it was all over and done with I knew more about roof shingles and termites than I ever wanted to know. In each instance, the Church came out the winner. I particularly remember the litigation for the defective shingles. I walked into a room with a huge round table, at which sat several hard looking men whom I'm convinced when seeing me thought, "He's just a little boy. We've got it made." By the end of the day, the litigation attorney informed me that this same group was pointing the finger at each other in total frustration because the young "little boy" priest was in the adjacent room refusing to back down. The Church came out "smelling like a rose."

You renovated the rectory (completely), and the Parish Center (kitchen, flooring, walls). You built a new Jr. High wing at Hanson. The present project underway on the Church grounds is going to be magnificent. I regret not being able to stay around to see it completed. And there's money in the bank - a good bit of it to keep you vibrant for many years to come.

And your spiritual life is strong: powerful liturgies with beautiful choirs, including hand bells; nine "Come, Lord Jesus!" Bible study groups; a persevering Adoration Chapel; a. wonderful CCD program with a very strong sacramental program that rivals any in the diocese, Summer Day Camp for over 100 kids each year; and, of course, two great Catholic Schools. I always worried about the schools, but I'm not worried anymore. You have two phenomenal leaders at the helm: Mr. Kenny Alfred will take Hanson to where it has never been before; I have no doubt. And Mrs. Sheri Higdon will continue the fantastic leadership of Mrs. Gayle Clement at St. John. Our Catholic Schools will be just fine!

The Bishop has decided to appoint Fr. Lloyd Benoit as your temporary Administrator. This summer, several churches in the diocese will get new pastors as their 12 year term limits are up. Assumption will be put in the list of these churches. Priests will be given the opportunity, probably in May, to express interest in coming to Franklin. From this list, the Bishop will make his decision. Fr. Benoit I should do fine in the interim. Take good care of him as you did me. Pray for him as you did me. And trust him!

Finally, I wish to publicly thank the rectory staff: Elaine Theriot, Darlene Scelfo, Perry Lowery, Barbara Ardoin and Deacon Douglas Hebert. Over the years they became "family" to me. I'll always love you and will miss you much. Thanks again for everything! ! !