Written ‘Nods

I appreciate and say thank you to Fr. James Flahive. He was an example of love and compassion when my mother suddenly died from a coronary thrombosis at the age of 54. I was 11 and the only living child at the time. His gentleness while praying the words of Extreme Unction touched me. He was one of the reasons I was ordained a priest. May he rest in peace.

Paul

Thank you father Pius for helping me to return back to the faith I had abandoned. You saved my life and that of my family through your patient guidance.

Joe

Too often we forget to pray for and acknowledge our pastors. Msgr Joe not only gives homilies which are clear and concise but they educate us on the real beliefs of our faith )pulling no punches). He does all this while still having to deal with the bills, the many organizations, the other concerns of the parish AND politely and clearly responding to my never-ending Church questions.

Louise Perrotta

As a Chaplain of my Pro- Life Org, he always has the words to lead us to good decisions, as we help women in crisis pregnancies. He is also Pastor of St. Therese Lisieux R.C. Church, in beautiful Montauk Pt.

His Parishioners are so lucky to hear his spiritually uplifting sermons.

Charlie S.

Recently moved south. Father West is a highly intellectual Priest and Pastor, deeply rooted and so committed to his Catholic faith. What Father West has helped to build through the gift of the Holy Spirit at St Clare of Assisi it so spiritually inspiring, it would only take a practicing Catholic attending a single Sunday Mass celebration to witness that there is a “spiritually renewed movement” happening in this parish, one centered on service, prayer, and daily faith-filled living. Daniel Island is quite blessed to have such a leader in Father West, and it permeates throughout the entire parish community.

Andrew R

Father Paul has brought me closer to God. I had Father Paul in high school as a teacher where he helped me unlock my relationship with Christ. In college, Father Paul encouraged me to discern my vocation. Later in life he continues to help me with my prayer life and devotion to Christ on the cross.

Bob

He was so influential and supportive for me taking classes in Pastoral Formation. These classes have deepen my faith also within the community, family and friends. Thank You for the prayers and support.

Carol

Thank you, Father Tom, for the thoughtful spiritual direction when I shared an ethical issue that was confronting me in my workplace. Your attentiveness, time and availability during a time when I was confused helped bring me back to the grounding of my faith and how to live it in a challenging job environment.

Francis

A ‘Nod to the Collar for Father Lachlan, who without any prompting, heard our daughter had a premature baby and visited her and the newborn in the hospital’s neonatal unit that evening! And then one month later presided over a private baptism. We’ll never forget that!

John

I’m 30 years old and grew up in the Catholic Church. I always saw it as a chore or something that took my time away on a Sunday where I could be watching cartoons in my pjs. When I grew up and left the nest, I left my Sunday “chores” behind. The wind took my wings to the city I always longed to live in and not glance at from across the bay. New York. My timing couldn’t have been worse for striking out on my own. A global pandemic hit the world and I was trapped inside a bricked room with my Netflix, cat, and laptop. I moved back home to my family’s house in Garden City, Long Island. My first weekend home, a familiar vibe permeated the house. My Dad peeked his head into my room and just like when I was a kid he asked, “you almost ready for mass?”. With a smile on my face I nodded and removed my Harry Styles sweatshirt and replaced it with a button down and jeans. Father James captivated me from the moment I sat in our unspoken designated family pew. His lively and welcoming charisma engulfed me back into reminiscence of the faith and inspiration I hadn’t realized I lost when my attendance dropped. When leaving, my parents greeted Father James like a family friend. His eyes shifted to me and with sincerity he shook my hand and said, “ I haven’t seen you here before”. Some shame made me shift my weight and say, “yes I just moved back home”. As if to comfort me and absolve me of my guilt, he kept my hand in his and began asking me about my life. The guilt faded and I was surprised to have a casual conversation with a Priest who was so obviously invested in my faith that all my anxiety had seemed to dissolve. The way he made me feel so at peace and comfortable was a connection I felt blessed to have. I didn’t want to lose it. That was two and a half years ago. I attend mass every Sunday as well as Sacraments and am still living with my parents. The difference now is it’s me peeking my head into my parents room every Sunday asking them if they’re ready for mass. That is all thanks to the attention, inclusivity and genuineness of Father James welcoming me back.

Annie