A Special Note from Fr. Ernesto

From our pastor, Fr. Ernesto Orci:

     In the April and May timeframe each year, Bishop Cantu, in consultation with the members of the clergy personnel board, makes assignments of priests to different parishes and ministries based on the needs in our diocese. One need or request at one parish then creates what we call a "chain of changes" at other parishes in order to fill the need for priests to be at each parish within our diocese. So this week, Bishop Cantu and the clergy personnel board finalized the changes for the fiscal year that begins on July 1.

     I must announce to you that effective June 30, I will be ending my service as pastor here at Saint Lawrence the Martyr Parish. The Bishop has asked that I become the new pastor of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in downtown San Jose.

     Also with this change (which is effective July 1) Bishop Cantu is assigning Fr. Mark Arnzen as the new pastor of Saint Lawrence Parish. He is currently serving as pastor at Saint Lucy‘s parish in Campbell and has been a priest for our diocese for over 15 years. He is kind of coming back "home" since he was a teacher at the middle school here at Saint Lawrence before he entered St. Patrick's Seminary.

     There will be more information coming in the two months that we have left on plans to say goodbye and then for you to welcome your new pastor, Fr. Mark, to our parish community. In the meantime, please keep both me and Fr. Mark in your prayers during this time of change. God bless you all. Thank you.