Monsignor Eugene Frilot In February 1986, Monsignor Eugene Frilot succeeded Monsignor O'Brien as pastor. Monsignor Frilot left his mark on the physical environment of the parish by replacing much of the of hurricane fencing with wrought iron rose hedges. As laity came to replace all the teachers in the school, he converted the former convent into the Parish Center. Believing that warm fellowship is a necessary element in the development of meaningful parish life, he created a new patio in the former walled garden of the convent to encourage community spirit. After Sunday Mass, parishioners now fellowship around shaded patio tables under the large coral tree. (Unfortunately, the tree blew down in a freak wind storm on November 14th, 2001.)
A keen student of Liturgy, Monsignor sought to build a better environment for worship. He started the first Liturgy committee for the parish and sought to make music the norm for all liturgies. The ministries of the lay Deaconate, usher, greeter, musician, eucharistic minister, lector were fostered and represented the vast diversity of the parish. Altar servers now are of both genders. He worked to implement Cardinal Mahony's Pastoral Letter on Liturgy. Monsignor also sought to build youth ministry by supporting a youth group, adopting a new extensive 2-year confirmation program and working to reintroduce scouting for boys and girls of the parish. He used his experience as seminary procurator to start a finance committee for the parish, and to create an endowment to help finance the school. In addition, he is credited with encouraging the flowering of the many various prayer groups which support the parish.
The parish vision statement was adopted during his time. It reads:
"We see multitudes of people of different ages and backgrounds gathered together to worship and praise God as one family. Inspired by the Word of the Lord and empowered by the Body and Blood of Christ, they joyously go forth, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, to teach, evangelize and minister to those in need."
After 13 years as pastor, Monsignor Frilot's request for retirement was granted. He has also chosen to stay with us as Pastor Emeritus and he honors us with his continuing ministry.
| Associate Pastors+Sunday Help 1986-1999 |
|---|
| Rev.Robert Butler, S.J. |
| Rev.Augustine Carter, O.Carm. |
| Rev.Ernest Hoerdemann |
| Rev.William Wolfe |
| Rev.Tilak Jayawardene |
| Rev.Robert Folbrecht |
| Rev.Gerald Maechler |
| Rev.Joseph "Bob" Maechler |
