Rev. Mario RachoAdministrator · Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Parish

A Farewell Message from Fr. Mario

greetings of peace and joy to each one of you. My heart is filled with both gratitude and sadness as I conclude my time here. I feel so much desire to stay; however, the demands of my calling require me to move on. Thank you for welcoming me, for your faithful witness, and for allowing me to share in your lives. I really wanted to thank you and how I appreciate you all for your love and support during my time here in Niagara Falls Roman Catholic Family of Parishes. My gratitude to Bishop Fisher for the opportunity and privilege of being able to serve as your Priest here. I felt so welcomed when I arrived here, and I feel at home. You received me with open arms and embraced me with great love. You always brought joy into my heart and strengthened me with your prayer and support. I am so grateful to all of you, dear friends. I feel your love for Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church, and the Blessed Mother Mary. Your love for God has sustained my faith and priestly ministry. Your solidarity and kindness with others, from this community and beyond, is a sign that God is truly present at St. Vincent de Paul parish and in all worship sites. Your commitment to the Catholic community keeps my hope alive. I would like to express my gratitude to Fr. Daune, Fr Ben, Fr Stew, Fr Bob, and Fr. Jim. Also, my gratitude goes to the Deacons, Sister Joanne, the staff in the parish, school principal, Mrs. Richards, the school teachers, and staff. Special thanks and gratitude to Caroline for always being there for me, she is always patient with me, for helping me in everything that I asked her to do. I cannot thank her enough. Your love for Christ and his Church is truly inspiring. Your marvelous work is appreciated by everyone. I appreciate your commitment. Thank you for all you have done for me, the friendship and the meal that we share together in the Table of the Lord in the Holy Eucharist. From Baptisms, Firs Reconciliations, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings, many anointings of the sick, long hours of confessions, counseling, wedding preps, hospital visits, nursing home Masses, nursing home visits, being with family during the loss of a loved one, funerals, burials, Sunday and weekdays Masses, School Masses, eating lunch with kids at the school, Eucharistic Adorations, School Reconciliation days, May Crowning, Catholic School Week events, parish events, and school activities, parish picnics, welcoming our new Catholics through RCIA, visiting your homes, visiting the outreach center, walking the cemeteries celebrating Memorial Masses, to many to mention…these and so many more have helped me to grow closer to Jesus and lead you closer to Christ and His Church. I can see how God has guided me along the way and helped me to lead others to Jesus. I pray to God that he will continue to send his blessings on this family of parishes. I want to thank each one of you for the kindness and love you have shown me during my time here. I will always treasure you all and I will keep you in my heart and in my daily prayer. I'm sorry for all my epic fails and glaring shortcomings. Sorry if I hurt your feelings or didn't realize you were dealing with emotions. Sorry if you felt ignored or if I dozed off while you were talking. I apologize for my long and boring homilies. I sincerely apologize for everything I have done wrong. "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa." May Our Merciful God continue to bless each one of your families. May Our Lord Jesus be the companion of children, youth, adult, and the elderly. May the Blessed Mother Mary intercede for all of you before his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for me as I step into my new assignment in the snowbelt and the home of the Buffalo Bills. I can now cheer louder, Go Bills! St John Vianney says: "The priest is not a priest for himself; he does not give himself absolution; he does not administer the Sacraments to himself… The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus". I want to thank God in so many ways. I really don't know how can I repay the goodness of the Lord in my life. The Blessed Mother Mary for always comforting me with her maternal love. May God bless you abundantly, and until we meet again! Thank you, and I love you all!

In Christ,

Fr. Mario