Farewell to Fr. Sam

Farewell to Fr. Sam

Last Thursday Fr. Sam said his last Mass at St. Thomas.  The theme of his homily was why does God test us.  Fr. Sam gave no answers to this questions but looked to his friends sitting in the pews for help.  He like Jesus was suffering  and chose as Jesus did to accept God’s Will where ever that takes him.  As he stood before us and shared of his grieving these past two weeks at leaving a Parish which has become home,  we all felt gratitude to the Lord for having placed Fr. Sam in our lives to guide us these past two years.  He has led us in humility and deep piety.  He brought with him a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother.  For so many of us he has been a patient confessor always willing to hear our confession.  He has been a wonderful role model for our children.  He has been a member of our children’s rosary and prayed with our children and for them.  He has served with the Knights of Columbus, most recently at their fish dinner before the Stations of the Cross.  

There is a compassion within Fr. Sam for those who are ill and suffering.  He was so frequently found at a bedside at St. Francis Hospital.  Only recently did I find out that weekly he went to Hughes Convalescent Home to say Mass Friday afternoons for 35 elderly who live there.  

During one daily Mass this past year Fr. Sam shared with us his favorite scripture reading.  I will include it here:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”Matthew 11:28-30.

Our prayer for you today Fr. Sam is that the Lord makes light your burden and gives you true peace and Joy this Easter.  May you know that you will always live in the hearts of your friends at St. Thomas Apostle Parish. We are Blessed and thankful to call you our dear Friend in Christ. Amen


St. Samuel was invited to join our Children's Rosary last Friday.  In a special way St. Samuel was asked to intercede for Fr. Sam as he sets out on his new assignment in New Hampshire at Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital as Chaplin.  The Novena which was begun is attached below:

Novena to St. Samuel:

You had such compassion for enslaved christians of your time.  Your faith was tested and you bravely defended your faith to the last.  Pray that we too may have an unshakeable faith and Love of God.  Pray that our hearts remain tender and loving despite the harshness of this world. Please bring our intentions before our Loving God. Amen

1 Our Father

Fr. Sam's new contact information is 112 School St. Apt #2 Lebanon, NH 03766

His new email is samuelsamy806@hotmail.com