Monthly Archives: January 2015

There are moments that occur in parish life that stick with you forever. Two in particular have remained in our hearts and minds. One evening Jack and I were sorting clothes for the annual clothing drive. Everyone but the two … Continue reading →

The summer at Holy Trinity was a time when we had some visiting help at the rectory so Jack and I could meet each other on vacation. He left first and I met him in Athens. We were to spend … Continue reading →

A parish is made up of persons all along the political and religious spectrum .There are those who were excited by Vatican ll and others who thought that any change in the church was some form of betrayal. This was … Continue reading →

It is true that bad things often happen to good people and tragic occurrences make their way to the rectory doorstep on a regular basis. One that comes to mind is that on a blazing hot day in August I … Continue reading →

Salvatore J. Tagliareni 15 hrs · Edited · Fortune finally smiled at Jack and I and the Archbishop finally retired Monsignor W. There is the old adage that the Devil you know is better than the one you don’t know. … Continue reading →

My first real awareness that Jack Murphy could be as zany as me occurred in November of his first year at Holy Trinity. He knew I loved the opera so he decided to treat me to dinner in New York … Continue reading →

We were blessed in Holy Trinity to have many persons committed to social justice. Not everyone was rich in Westfield but by and large it was an upscale community. However, some of our brothers and sisters were marginalized and lived … Continue reading →

As the first year progressed Jack and I had conversations deep into the night as to what we could do systemically to make a difference in the lives of others. The topics that we focused on beyond the ordinary functions … Continue reading →

I can still see him standing in the hallway of the rectory, cigarette in hand and perfectly dressed with Clark Kent glasses. It was my first impression of someone who was to become a major influence in my life.I hardly … Continue reading →

There are two lines from Broadway shows that stuck with me as I began my teaching career in the parish.One was from the King and I.It said”When you are a teacher by your students you will be taught.The other was … Continue reading →