Welcome Fr. Mark Schaffner!

Thursday, August 15th, 2019

From the Office of Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Archbishop of Newark

August 15, 2019

The Parishioners

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

10 County Road

Tenafly, New Jersey 07670

 

My dear Parishioners:

I announce to you today that I have appointed the Reverend Mark Schaffner, O.Carm. pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Tenafly, New Jersey.

Father Schaffner comes to you with many years of fine priestly experience.  In all his assignments, he has been a faithful representative of our Lord, ministering to the needs of people with tremendous dedication and zeal.

A pastor is to care for his people, preach the good news of Jesus Christ, and make them holy by celebrating the Sacraments.  He works in harmony with his bishop “to bring the faithful together like a unified family so that they may be led effectively through Christ in the Holy Spirit to the Father.”  (Instruction in the Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood.)

Joseph William Cardinal Tobin, C.Ss.R.

As a true leader, he should listen to his people and discover their needs.  He will often consult with the Pastoral Council and work with them to accomplish the mission of Christ in his parish.  “All pastors should remember, too, that by their daily conduct and concern, they are reflecting the face of the Church to the World.”  (Document of Vatican II, “The Church Today.” No. 43.)

I ask you to receive Father Schaffner warmly, cooperating with him in every way in his new role as pastor.  Continue to offer him your assistance and support as you have for pastors before him. Pray for him so that the Lord may give him the holiness and strength he needs to carry out the responsibilities of his office.

I send my prayers and my blessings to all the members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish on this very happy occasion.

Sincerely yours in Christ the Redeemer,

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.

Archbishop of Newark

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