Good Shepherd Parishioners Welcome Their New Pastor

On Sunday, October 26th, during a 12:00 Noon bi-lingual liturgy, the parishioners of Good Shepherd Church welcomed Fr. Robert J. Abbatiello, O.F.M. Cap. as their new pastor. Bishop Gerald T. Walsh, auxiliary bishop of New York, Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, and a native of the parish, installed Fr. Robert during the Mass. Assisting him with the spiritual care of the parish will be Father Philip Bohan, O.F.M. Cap., Fr. Arlen Harris, O.F.M. Cap. (both new to the parish), and Deacon Rafael Then. Bishop Walsh & Fr. Bob Also residing at Good Shepherd is Bro. Timothy Jones, O.F.M. Cap., serving the Capuchin Province of St. Mary as Director of Vocations.

Good Shepherd Church, located on Broadway and Isham Street in the Inwood section of Manhattan, has been a long-standing beacon of faith, strength, and hope for almost 100 years. Serving both English and Spanish speaking parishioners, the parish continues to bear witness to the Good News of the Gospel through its many liturgical celebrations, social outreach programs, and its desire, after the example of St. Francis of Assisi, to “preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words!”

Prior to his appointment as pastor of Good Shepherd, Fr. Robert served as pastor of St. Pius X Church in Middletown, CT for six years. A busload of parishioners from St. Pius X, together with visiting friars, and family members, joined the community of Good Shepherd and packed the church in a sign of unity, which Fr. Robert hopes will characterize his pastorate.

Following the liturgy, a reception was sponsored by various parish organizations and ministries in the school auditorium. Fr. Robert also hopes that there will be many joyful occasions to celebrate in the future. He believes strongly in “the connection between the sacrifice table of the Altar and the sharing table.” He intends to maintain and hopes to expand the many different social and outreach opportunities that the parishioners of Good Shepherd have been engaged in for many years.

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