Farewell to Carms: the Farewell Mass at Saint Agnes, Phoenix

A full church (800+ people) with combined parish choirs (24 voices) and concelebrating Carmelites (five visiting, two local) with the the Most Rev John Dolan, Bishop of Phoenix, and the parishioners of Saint Agnes said ‘goodbye’ to the Carmelites. With everything in festive red for the Vigil Mass of the Solemnity of Pentecost, the bishop in his homily thanked the pastor, Fr Brad Peterson, O.Carm., and the associate pastor, Fr Jorge Monterosso, O.Carm., for their selfless service to the congregation and to the Diocese, noting that the Carmelites had served at Saint Agnes for 57 years – beginning at Saint Agnes before Phoenix was a diocese.

In his closing remarks, Fr Carl commented on how the parish served in the training of Carmelite interns, and the formation of strong Carmelite community life through these decades.  Fr Brad mentioned that Saint Agnes has been his family’s parish for 50 years and it was here that he was called to priesthood. He also talked about Jorge recently receiving his Master’s degree in church administration, and that he was hoping Jorge would be the next pastor.

After Mass the parish gathered on the lawn and parish hall for a fiesta of American and Mexican food. During the reception, the parishioners presented a series of framed pieces featuring the history of the parish.  These will be placed on the walls of the parish hall.  They also presented two framed pieces with the history of the Carmelites at Saint Agnes.  A list of all the Carmelites who ministered and lived at Saint Agnes and in the Diocese of Phoenix over these 57 years was proclaimed.

Bishop Dolan is planning to add to the mission of Saint Agnes, to make the rectory into a seminary for those studying for the priesthood for the Diocese of Phoenix.  Saint Agnes parish will be a ‘teaching parish.’