I am happy and grateful to say that it will soon be my second anniversary as a member of this parish family. I deeply appreciate Father Dan’s invitation to join him here and also the warm welcome you have given me. It has been and remains a real gift to be part of this community.
It is important to me, therefore, that you understand the reason that there will be a temporary change in my assignment effective this September. Our seminary in Washington, D.C., Whitefriars Hall, is under-staffed at the moment. Due to various factors, the Director of Formation is there alone with our students at the moment.
I held that same position for five years before I came to New Jersey 13 years ago. Because of that background, I have been asked to divide my time between Tenafly and Washington for the coming academic year. It will mean spending much of my time in Washington for the next nine months. However, I will return to Tenafly for at least a week each month to assist Father Dan and serve the community.
This assignment will end next June and things will return to normal once again. In the interim, please keep me in your prayers, as I will you, and continue to give Father Dan the great support you give him. Finally, please pray for our students and for vocations to the Carmelites. Peace and blessings to you all! I will miss you and OLMC but I take comfort that the time away will be temporary and I will be back each month for several days.
Fr. Emmett Gavin, O.Carm.