Giving the Sacrament of Annointing of the Sick, May 7, 2024
When I look back on my ministerial assignments, the first thought I have is gratitude! I give God a great deal of thanks for allowing me the privilege to serve Him and His people as a priest and bishop these many years. Since ordination as a priest in 1971, I have lived/served in ten different assignments. (Some of my priest friends jokingly say that I couldn’t hold down a job.) But each assignment was unique and special. God let me meet wonderful people in each parish, and I am truly grateful!
The first four assignments were rather short in time, but being young, it was not too difficult to move, although each one of these transfers had its own separation anxiety. St. Camillus in Rockaway Beach (4 years) was where it all began. It has been said that “your first parish is your first love.” And somehow it rings true for me. It was very busy there in the summers because many people flocked to their summer bungalows near the shore. It was a very good place to start out. St. Pius V in Jamaica (1 year) was next! I didn’t stay there because I felt the inadequacy of not being able to speak Portuguese, which was half of the Church population. However, it was there that I began my study of the Italian language which helped me greatly in later years.
Then came Incarnation in Queens Village (5 years) which was a very active parish with loads of Masses, sacramental ministry, committee meetings, and community involvement. It was a time when I was going through some family issues (the deaths of my parents and brother), and I found the parishioners to be very supportive of me. After Incarnation, I was assigned to St. Helen, Howard Beach (1.5 years). Although a very short stay, it was a good experience. I felt that this was where God wanted me to be at that time; something you only realize when you leave and then look back! That was the case for me time and time again.
The next assignment was to Brooklyn at Our Lady of Miracles (12 years) in Canarsie. The first six years were as a Co-Pastor, and the last six years were as the sole Pastor. I enjoyed the many blessings bestowed on me in my second longest assignment: the development of the Italian community which was present at that time, the renovation of the small but country-like Church, and the association with the Apostolic Oblates who lived in the convent. OLM, as it’s fondly called, generates many good memories.
The next assignment was “in residence” at St. Agatha, Brooklyn (5 years), while I served as Episcopal Vicar of the area known as Brooklyn West. It was a good rectory to live in! Msgr. Paul Sanchez (later Bishop) was the Pastor. He provided a good environment in the house.
Next came my longest assignment at Our Lady of the Snows (OLS) in Floral Park (13 years). While witnessing a new church being built would obviously seem like the most poignant event, the reality is what I remember most is the generosity of the people and their willingness to create a super-involved parish in every aspect of parish life.
St. Kevin, Flushing (7 years) followed next. It was a beautiful Church and Rectory. The people were patient with me as I served in my various Chancery roles while being their Pastor at the same time! I did the best I could to be present to them.
The last two assignments have been “in residence.” Holy Family, Fresh Meadows (2 years), and St. Luke, Whitestone (4 years). Both have been quite enjoyable. Not having the responsibility of administration, I can offer my service to the parish as well as to other local parishes in need of extra help! In summary, God knows the plan for each of us. We need to be open to that plan and then happiness follows.
Bishop Ray's Blog 
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