Farewell Reception for Rev. Eugene Kotlinski, C.M.

Pictured: Scenes from the Farewell Reception held on Sunday All photos by Nancy Sasso Janis

The Ladies Guilds of the linked parishes of St. Mary and St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Churches held a farewell reception for their pastor on Sunday in the St. Hedwig Church Hall. Parishioners of both churches were invited to honor Rev. Eugene Kotlinski, C.M. before he leaves the parishes on July 30. Fr. Eugene has been reassigned to a parish in Brooklyn, New York.

The announcement in the bulletin that is handed out at both churches called the reception a way to honor Fr. Eugene “for all the good works he has done for both parishes both spiritually and financially. We are saddened that he is leaving both our parishes, but our joyful hope is that our Lord will continue to use and guide him in his new parish in New York.”

The ladies put out quite a spread for the reception that was held in the hall in the former St. Hedwig’s School. The many parishioners from both churches gave Fr. Eugene a standing ovation when he entered the room after Mass and he humbly thanked everyone who came out to say goodbye. He reminded the faithful, as he had at the end of the 11:00am Celebration of the Eucharist, that he will continue to say Mass through the end of July.

Guests enjoyed a variety of finger foods, mixed fruit, and delicious homemade pączki that disappeared quickly. A huge sheet cake featured layers of four different flavors, and parishioners had coffee, tea and punch to go with their slice.

At the end of all weekend Masses, it was announced that Archbishop Leonard Blair has appointed Rev. Sebastian Kos, the parochial vicar at Holy Cross Church in New Britain, as administrator of St. Mary and St. Hedwig effective July 30, 2015. Fr. Kos was ordained on May 15, 2010 by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell. Holy Cross Parish is a Polish national church that posts a bulletin written in both Polish and English.

Parishioners of both Union City parishes were concerned enough about the number of priests that had been assigned to them, only to be quickly reassigned, that they sent a petition to the Hartford Archbishop. They received a reply from Monsignor Gerard G. Schmitz of Archbishop Blair’s office stating that “Archbishop Blair is aware of the many priests who have been assigned to Saint Mary (and St. Hedwig) parish in the past decade. This factor will be considered as we seek to find a Pastor for your parish. We ask your understanding as we prepare to assign a priest to Saint Mary and Saint Hedwig along with nine other parishes that will need new pastors this spring.”

It was also announced in the bulletin and at the end of Mass that Deacon Thomas Clifford will be returning to the linked parishes effective July 1. The beloved Deacon Tom and his wife Linda will be given a hearty welcome home by church members who have missed him since he was reassigned several years ago. This is very good news for parishioners who are in need of some stability.