Father Jim is 25 (Years a Priest) !!

It has been said that Saint Joan of Arc Church can celebrate with the best of them - and last Sunday seemed proof. In the happiest of coincidences (or maybe not such a coincidence) Father Jim Cassidy was honored for the 25th anniversary of his ordination on the same day as Children and Youth Sunday.

It was fitting since Father Jim is a particular friend to the young, the sick and the vulnerable. He is a kind and compassionate man who has been involved with hospital chaplaincy and hospice work for many years. In that role he has helped countless people and families through the process of death and grieving. More than once during a Sunday homily he has brought tears to the eyes of his audience as he shared some of the stories from his hospice work.

Father Jim has been associated with St. Joan of Arc since 1993, being appointed Associate Pastor in 1998. He is only present at SJA on a part-time basis, but he has had a huge impact in the years he has been with us. He is the primary presider at the Family Masses, assists Father George with the Saturday 5:00 pm Mass and Gym liturgies, and officiates at Baptisms and weddings. His homilies are personal, heart-felt and often touched with a gentle, self-deprecating humor. At the end of Sunday’s mass he said, “I think archeological studies will show that I am the oldest associate pastor in the world”.

Father Jim is committed to Grace House and to the cause of eliminating HIV/AIDS. He has joyfully shared stories of his exhilarating experiences (and sore muscles) as a participant in the AIDS ride to Chicago. His commitment to the eradication of HIV/AIDS has taken him to South Africa three times, leading to a partnership with the AIDS ministry in the township of Guguletu.

With both Father Jim and Father George participating, Sunday’s celebration took on the air of a carnival. The gym was festooned with balloons and much of the service was presented by the children and teens of the parish. Even the SJA musicians were joined by a number of talented young people, including Chelsey and Amy Stockhaus and Greg Dean, proof that the spirit of the parish will continue on for many years. The pre-school choir surrounded the altar at the outset to do a rousing, clapping, singing welcome - generously prompted by the dedicated group of preschool teachers that mentor them each Sunday. The older children entered the gym behind “Pied Piper” Cyril Paul wearing a flamboyant hat, whistle in his mouth, and drum at his waist.

The focus of the Youth Group and children’s classes this year has been Peace and Non-violence. The readings reflected that message as well as the presentation by Rachel Kroog and “young friends” who did a shortened version of a presentation called, The Hands of Peace.

For the children and parents it was the culmination of the Sunday family masses and classes, but it was also a fitting and happy way to honor Father Jim’s contribution to St. Joan of Arc. When the mass was over Father George invited everyone to the courtyard to have a piece of cake and personally congratulate Father Jim on his 25th anniversary. It didn’t take much prompting. After all, it was just another way to keep the celebration going.



Sue O'Brien is the wife of Tom, mother of four children, and grandmother of six. She is dental hygienist and manages a dental practice in Spring Lake Park. A parishioner for many years, Sue worked as a caregiver at Grace House for seven years, beginning the week it opened. Now she is looking forward to meeting new people at St. Joan of Arc as she helps out as a web reporter and photographer. Sue can be reached at remdds@prodigy.net.


Nancy Lynch says, "Joy is being a wife, Mom of fourteen, eight with varying disabilities and living at home, Grandma of thirteen, and Great Grandma of three. Serenity is listening and watching the ocean, alone, at our home on Maui. Passion is friends, photography, reading, swimming and children.


Avis Von Eschen Parishioner for 22 years ...Retired school teacher ...St. Joan's Bridge Club ...Charter member of Adults Alive ...Co-ordinates Christmas activity for St. Joan's with the Indian Ministry ...Summer office volunteer.


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