Father Scott J. Pontes installed as Pastor of St. Joseph's in Newport

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Bishop Thomas J. Tobin installed Father Scott J. Pontes as the new pastor of St. Joseph’s parish in Newport on Saturday, Sept. 17. Bishop Tobin was the principal celebrant at the Holy Mass. Concelebrants included Father Pontes, Father Jim Worth, a parish priest of St. Joseph’s Parish in Maplewood, New Jersey, as well as Father Thomas Ferland and Father John O’Brien.

“Indeed, it’s a great joy for me to be with you today, on this very special and blessed day, a day that is so important for Father Scott, and for the parish community of St. Joseph’s as well,” said Bishop Tobin in his opening remarks.

Bishop Tobin’s homily drew from an excerpt of a sermon by the famous A.D. 5th century Church Father St. Augustine, in which he stated that pastors are both fellow travelers on the path to Christian holiness, as well as those who care for the souls of the faithful.

“Priests and people have to encourage one another in the work of growing in holiness,” Bishop Tobin said. “Your pastor has to lead and encourage you, and you have to encourage, and support, and pray for him as well, to help one another in growing in holiness.”

Mass was followed by Bishop Tobin blessing a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe recently erected on the Church grounds. The day’s events ended with a reception for the parishioners.

To view more photos, visit ricatholic.smugmug.com.