It was nice to see Father Charles DiMascola and the Our Lady of Czestochowa parish featured in The Recorder (Faith Matters, May 14). The humble priest would never mention to The Recorder editors that he will be retiring at the end of June, so allow me to do it behind his back!
Father came to Turners Falls in April 1986 when the parish was in a compromised position in its attendance, physical condition and finances. Now, 30 years later, the parish is vibrant, well attended, spiritually strong and financially secure. Father Charles is a priest’s priest who has shepherded generations of parishioners in their Catholic journey. For many, he is the only priest they have known.
Father Charles has been a great inspiration having found his vocation late, leaving teaching after 15 years. His dedication and commitment to his calling has been amazing, but nothing good lasts forever, and while we are happy for Father Charles, who deserves a healthy and happy retirement, we are sad for ourselves as we say goodbye.
Thirty years is a long time to spend in one parish. Some of the altar servers who were young people back when Father Charles joined the parish in the 1980s are now adults in their late 30s and early 40s! Thirty years is a lot of baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, weddings, last rites, and funerals by one priest. Father Charles has been our spiritual guide for a large part of our Catholic spiritual journey and we are better people because of his leadership, his example, his mentoring, his tutelage and most of all his Faith.
I invite area Catholics and people of the Polish culture to attend Mass at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish at 80 K Street in Turners during the next few weeks to honor Father and appreciate his many years of service to his Faith and our community. Weekday Masses are Monday at 8 a.m. and Tuesday through Friday at 5:30 p.m. Weekend Masses are Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m.
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” — Matthew 25:21.
Wid Perry
Greenfield