What Good Shepherd Means to Me
Celebrating our Jubilee year
As we celebrate our Jubilee Year, we invite you to share with us what Good Shepherd means to you. Please email a very short statement to the main office goodshepherdstaf@aol.com and it will go online in our e-bulletin in the coming weeks and months. Thank you.
February 21, 2021
My memories of 50 years At Good Shepherd Church
By: Judy Schellberg
In November 1969, my husband, Robert, and I and two small daughters moved to “close-in Hobrook”, as houses in Holbrook were advertised at that time. In June, 1970, I saw a picture in the newspaper of a new church beginning in Holbrook. The parish did not have a name at that time and the pastor Fr. Ron Barry and associate Fr. Jack Moore said that the parishioners should have a say in the naming of the parish because the people were the church. As we know now, Good Shepherd was the name chosen.
Over those early years Fr. Barry held classes on how to develop a well formed conscience and Sisters Dorothy Fowler and Barbara St. Peter taught the Basic Course in order to encourage people to become catechists. These classes helped me to grow into my adult faith, during this post Vatican II time. I think, we then all came to understand the concept that the people were the church.
About that time too, Good Shepherd became one of the first three churches on Long Island to model the vision of Catholic Charities of serving the needs of the people at the parish level and Parish Outreach was started. In 1990, I became the part-time secretary in the Outreach Office working with Deacon Joseph Gioglio, who was the coordinator, and many wonderful volunteers, Gene Colangelo included. I saw first hand the support and involvement in the Outreach from Fr. Tom, the priests, sisters and staff at the time and wonderful parishioners always willing to help where there was a need. It was not only about giving food but what were the underlying causes of the need for food, the injustices and unfairness that needed advocating about. It was as Joe Gioglio said – “Parish Outreach is a living expression of the Gospel message”.
In the fall of 1997 the diocese introduced the idea of parish assistance at the time of the death of a Parishioner and the Ministry of Consolation was started under Connie Hornick and support of Joe Gioglio, through the Parish Outreach. Sadly, Joe Gioglio died that fall at 46 from a heart attack. The Consolation Ministry, with many dedicated ministers through the years, has continued, especially with the leadership of Noranne Hill who headed the ministry for many year and died in 2016. Deacon John Newhall has always been there to offer his guidance to the ministry.
We have been blessed with many good pastors over these years and at this time we are especially remembering Fr. Tom, who led us out of a dark place and reminded us, once again, that the building is not the church, the people are.
Over the fifty years of my memories are some very wonderful and memorable times and some very sad and distressful times but what always came through are the blessings God has given us at Good Shepherd through the priests, the sisters, the deacons, the staff and always from our close parish family and it is my hope that this parish spirit will continue to grow for many generations to come.
My memories of 50 years At Good Shepherd Church
By: Judy Schellberg
In November 1969, my husband, Robert, and I and two small daughters moved to “close-in Hobrook”, as houses in Holbrook were advertised at that time. In June, 1970, I saw a picture in the newspaper of a new church beginning in Holbrook. The parish did not have a name at that time and the pastor Fr. Ron Barry and associate Fr. Jack Moore said that the parishioners should have a say in the naming of the parish because the people were the church. As we know now, Good Shepherd was the name chosen.
Over those early years Fr. Barry held classes on how to develop a well formed conscience and Sisters Dorothy Fowler and Barbara St. Peter taught the Basic Course in order to encourage people to become catechists. These classes helped me to grow into my adult faith, during this post Vatican II time. I think, we then all came to understand the concept that the people were the church.
About that time too, Good Shepherd became one of the first three churches on Long Island to model the vision of Catholic Charities of serving the needs of the people at the parish level and Parish Outreach was started. In 1990, I became the part-time secretary in the Outreach Office working with Deacon Joseph Gioglio, who was the coordinator, and many wonderful volunteers, Gene Colangelo included. I saw first hand the support and involvement in the Outreach from Fr. Tom, the priests, sisters and staff at the time and wonderful parishioners always willing to help where there was a need. It was not only about giving food but what were the underlying causes of the need for food, the injustices and unfairness that needed advocating about. It was as Joe Gioglio said – “Parish Outreach is a living expression of the Gospel message”.
In the fall of 1997 the diocese introduced the idea of parish assistance at the time of the death of a Parishioner and the Ministry of Consolation was started under Connie Hornick and support of Joe Gioglio, through the Parish Outreach. Sadly, Joe Gioglio died that fall at 46 from a heart attack. The Consolation Ministry, with many dedicated ministers through the years, has continued, especially with the leadership of Noranne Hill who headed the ministry for many year and died in 2016. Deacon John Newhall has always been there to offer his guidance to the ministry.
We have been blessed with many good pastors over these years and at this time we are especially remembering Fr. Tom, who led us out of a dark place and reminded us, once again, that the building is not the church, the people are.
Over the fifty years of my memories are some very wonderful and memorable times and some very sad and distressful times but what always came through are the blessings God has given us at Good Shepherd through the priests, the sisters, the deacons, the staff and always from our close parish family and it is my hope that this parish spirit will continue to grow for many generations to come.
December 20, 2020
By Barbara Paeth
I am a Newbe of sorts to Good Shepherd - here 9 1/2 years. From Day One in Good Shepherd -it was like I found a second home - the people, the priests and the staff -accepted and loved, especially the Senior Group headed by Rosemarie Vilim.
By Barbara Paeth
I am a Newbe of sorts to Good Shepherd - here 9 1/2 years. From Day One in Good Shepherd -it was like I found a second home - the people, the priests and the staff -accepted and loved, especially the Senior Group headed by Rosemarie Vilim.
November 29, 2020
By Julie DeCollibus
My husband Vinny and I moved to Holbrook in July of 1977 and joined the Good Shepherd parish. From the first time we attended Mass, we felt we belonged to a new “family” of worship. I remember Father would allow the little ones to sit on the steps of the altar as they would color or play with their toys. Since then, I have been blessed with many memories both happy and sad. Our family “survived the fire” and joined the campaign to rebuild our church. My husband and I were privileged to attend the dedication of the new church. My daughter was baptized at Good Shepherd. Both our children received First Holy Communion while we were congregating in “the factory,” and they both were confirmed at our parish. I taught religious education for many years. In 2001, my parents moved from Nassau County and became parishioners. They also loved the parish and were especially fond of Monsignor Tom Spadaro. Monsignor Jerry Ringenback said the funeral masses for both my mom and my husband.
Family and Friends who have joined me in worship at our church have always commented about our wonderful parish and the true sense of community and strong faith exhibited by the people. My ties to Good Shepherd continue to grow as my daughter and son-in-law are now members of our parish. My grandson, Dylan was baptized here, and received his First Holy Communion in our church this past August. As I am now a part of the Consolation Ministry, I continue to meet new friends and work with such wonderful and devoted people.
These memories make me cherish my 43 years as a member of Good Shepherd!
By Julie DeCollibus
My husband Vinny and I moved to Holbrook in July of 1977 and joined the Good Shepherd parish. From the first time we attended Mass, we felt we belonged to a new “family” of worship. I remember Father would allow the little ones to sit on the steps of the altar as they would color or play with their toys. Since then, I have been blessed with many memories both happy and sad. Our family “survived the fire” and joined the campaign to rebuild our church. My husband and I were privileged to attend the dedication of the new church. My daughter was baptized at Good Shepherd. Both our children received First Holy Communion while we were congregating in “the factory,” and they both were confirmed at our parish. I taught religious education for many years. In 2001, my parents moved from Nassau County and became parishioners. They also loved the parish and were especially fond of Monsignor Tom Spadaro. Monsignor Jerry Ringenback said the funeral masses for both my mom and my husband.
Family and Friends who have joined me in worship at our church have always commented about our wonderful parish and the true sense of community and strong faith exhibited by the people. My ties to Good Shepherd continue to grow as my daughter and son-in-law are now members of our parish. My grandson, Dylan was baptized here, and received his First Holy Communion in our church this past August. As I am now a part of the Consolation Ministry, I continue to meet new friends and work with such wonderful and devoted people.
These memories make me cherish my 43 years as a member of Good Shepherd!
September 28, 2020
By Diane McClernon
Ever since my husband and I moved to Holbrook, we have been parishioners of Good Shepherd. Our 3 children made their sacraments here. We even renewed our wedding vows here on our 20th and 30th anniversaries. One thing that separates this parish apart from others is feeling welcomed in.
Over the years there have been changes in priests and pastors as well as to some aspects of the building. But what has not changed is the welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s by joining a ministry, volunteering for one of the many events taking place or being at mass every week, you feel like you belong here.
Without a doubt, worshipping at Good Shepherd has strengthened our faith life. So when people ask me what my parish is, I smile and proudly reply, “Good Shepherd.”
By Diane McClernon
Ever since my husband and I moved to Holbrook, we have been parishioners of Good Shepherd. Our 3 children made their sacraments here. We even renewed our wedding vows here on our 20th and 30th anniversaries. One thing that separates this parish apart from others is feeling welcomed in.
Over the years there have been changes in priests and pastors as well as to some aspects of the building. But what has not changed is the welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s by joining a ministry, volunteering for one of the many events taking place or being at mass every week, you feel like you belong here.
Without a doubt, worshipping at Good Shepherd has strengthened our faith life. So when people ask me what my parish is, I smile and proudly reply, “Good Shepherd.”
September 20, 2020
As an active and long-time parishioner I can say without hesitation Good Shepherd changed my life. Over the past 40 years I have been privileged to support this parish with my time, talent and treasure. Good Shepherd is not just a beautiful building - this community is very special and one that continues to be a source of faith, hope and love to me, my family and countless others who pass through our doors............Jim Marino
As an active and long-time parishioner I can say without hesitation Good Shepherd changed my life. Over the past 40 years I have been privileged to support this parish with my time, talent and treasure. Good Shepherd is not just a beautiful building - this community is very special and one that continues to be a source of faith, hope and love to me, my family and countless others who pass through our doors............Jim Marino
July 24, 2020
On June 24, 1970, Father Barry and Father Moore arrived in Holbrook. They had a meeting in a parking lot at MacArthur Airport. They lived at The Cenacle. The first Mass was celebrated on June 28, 1970, outside the Civic Hall on Grundy Avenue. By August 1970, people had set up a large tent on the south side of the Civic Hall and Mass was held under the tent. In the winter parishioners moved back into the Civic Hall for Mass. There were Masses in the tent, the firehouse, the Greenbelt Recreation Center, the Cenacle and in parishioners' homes. Daily Mass was in the Cenacle Chapel.
At this time, on August 1, 1970, Tom and I were married and moved to our first apartment in Hillcrest Village on Broadway Avenue. We became members of Good Shepherd and have been in the Parish for 50 years! Over these years we have formed lifelong friendships through our involvement in parish activities.
What does Good Shepherd mean to us? Tom says Community, and for me Good Shepherd means Family!! We have participated in the life of Good Shepherd, our Community, our Family, in many ways over these 50 years.
My involvement began as a helper in the pre-school with Sister Dorothy Fowler and Sister Barbara St. Peter in the mid-70s. In 1978, I was invited to become a Eucharistic Minister and have been one for 42 years. I coordinated the Eucharistic Ministers in the pre-computer days and remember making up the schedule randomly by putting names in a shoebox and picking them one at a time. That was when we served at whatever Mass we were given, not a specific Mass as we do today. I was asked to distribute Communion at Brookhaven Hospital and to bring Communion to the sick and homebound. I had a very special friendship with one homebound parishioner for 20 years until she was called home to God.
Earlier I had been invited to serve on the Liturgy Committee and eventually to head the Committee. Mary Ann Uzzo invited me to be on the CORE of Parish Outreach. When the Genesis II program began, I served as a facilitator, then in 1987 learned all about Small Church Communities and became a Pastoral Facilitator of a Small Church Community for over thirty years.
Tom spent 14 years as a referee for Good Shepherd's Hockey League and as a coach for two years too. When asked to become a part of the Fellowship Activities Committee, together Tom and I taught Country Line dancing from 1997 to 2011. Each of those 14 years we taught free line dance lessons at Good Shepherd in the summers culminating with an annual fundraiser dance. We also taught Country Line dance lessons at several Family Day gatherings during those years.
As Father Tom was approaching retirement, I chaired the History Committee and wrote the History of Good Shepherd from its beginnings in the 1930s (when people in the area were dreaming of creating a parish in Holbrook) to 2013, the year Father Tom retired.
This history book can still be found online for purchase from Amazon.com (all proceeds go to Good Shepherd Parish).
There is no other parish than Good Shepherd where we would want to belong!
Tom & Terry Sexon
On June 24, 1970, Father Barry and Father Moore arrived in Holbrook. They had a meeting in a parking lot at MacArthur Airport. They lived at The Cenacle. The first Mass was celebrated on June 28, 1970, outside the Civic Hall on Grundy Avenue. By August 1970, people had set up a large tent on the south side of the Civic Hall and Mass was held under the tent. In the winter parishioners moved back into the Civic Hall for Mass. There were Masses in the tent, the firehouse, the Greenbelt Recreation Center, the Cenacle and in parishioners' homes. Daily Mass was in the Cenacle Chapel.
At this time, on August 1, 1970, Tom and I were married and moved to our first apartment in Hillcrest Village on Broadway Avenue. We became members of Good Shepherd and have been in the Parish for 50 years! Over these years we have formed lifelong friendships through our involvement in parish activities.
What does Good Shepherd mean to us? Tom says Community, and for me Good Shepherd means Family!! We have participated in the life of Good Shepherd, our Community, our Family, in many ways over these 50 years.
My involvement began as a helper in the pre-school with Sister Dorothy Fowler and Sister Barbara St. Peter in the mid-70s. In 1978, I was invited to become a Eucharistic Minister and have been one for 42 years. I coordinated the Eucharistic Ministers in the pre-computer days and remember making up the schedule randomly by putting names in a shoebox and picking them one at a time. That was when we served at whatever Mass we were given, not a specific Mass as we do today. I was asked to distribute Communion at Brookhaven Hospital and to bring Communion to the sick and homebound. I had a very special friendship with one homebound parishioner for 20 years until she was called home to God.
Earlier I had been invited to serve on the Liturgy Committee and eventually to head the Committee. Mary Ann Uzzo invited me to be on the CORE of Parish Outreach. When the Genesis II program began, I served as a facilitator, then in 1987 learned all about Small Church Communities and became a Pastoral Facilitator of a Small Church Community for over thirty years.
Tom spent 14 years as a referee for Good Shepherd's Hockey League and as a coach for two years too. When asked to become a part of the Fellowship Activities Committee, together Tom and I taught Country Line dancing from 1997 to 2011. Each of those 14 years we taught free line dance lessons at Good Shepherd in the summers culminating with an annual fundraiser dance. We also taught Country Line dance lessons at several Family Day gatherings during those years.
As Father Tom was approaching retirement, I chaired the History Committee and wrote the History of Good Shepherd from its beginnings in the 1930s (when people in the area were dreaming of creating a parish in Holbrook) to 2013, the year Father Tom retired.
This history book can still be found online for purchase from Amazon.com (all proceeds go to Good Shepherd Parish).
There is no other parish than Good Shepherd where we would want to belong!
Tom & Terry Sexon
July 19, 2020
In September of 1988 we moved into Holbrook, and from the first time attending Sunday Mass, I knew Good Shepherd was a very special place.
Although my full time position at Stony Brook University kept me from becoming actively involved , I have been a faithful participant for over 32 years.
Several years ago, we downsized and moved to Medford , but Good Shepherd will always be my parish because of how Msgr. Tom, Msgr. Jerry and now Bishop Coyle have made it a place where we are all family. I look forward to many more years praying and worshiping at Good Shepherd.
Theresa La Rocca Meyer
In September of 1988 we moved into Holbrook, and from the first time attending Sunday Mass, I knew Good Shepherd was a very special place.
Although my full time position at Stony Brook University kept me from becoming actively involved , I have been a faithful participant for over 32 years.
Several years ago, we downsized and moved to Medford , but Good Shepherd will always be my parish because of how Msgr. Tom, Msgr. Jerry and now Bishop Coyle have made it a place where we are all family. I look forward to many more years praying and worshiping at Good Shepherd.
Theresa La Rocca Meyer
July 12, 2020
My Dear Friends:
Today during these hard times, especially for our churches, I would like to share my story of how I became a part of the Church of the Good Shepherd family. I can’t tell you the exact time or date but I know that it was over 20 years ago because our children were in their teens and the parish we were attending was cold and often left us feeling empty, our children were bored and Den and I were not spiritually filled by liturgies and homilies. In short, we were looking for something more. Den & I both grew up Catholic and have always been involved in some ministry in the Catholic church, so we decided to “go shopping” for a new Catholic church.
At the time we lived in Sayville, so we went north on Broadway Avenue and found ourselves at Good Shepherd. We were greeted at the door with the open arms and hugs of Msgr. Tom Spadaro, and Fr. Bob who we knew from Dennis’ Youth Ministry days in Sayville and many smiling faces who welcomed us to the church. We prayed with these welcoming people, many of whom we still see as we walk up the path from the parking lot to the church and in the Narthex. We listened for four Sundays to Fr. Paul, Fr. Bob, Fr. Tom and finally Fr. Charlie and were inspired once again by their homilies. We felt deep in our hearts and souls that we were “home”, but most of all we were touched by the sense of community and genuine care of the people who make a church a church. We knew God lived there because there was Love and where there is Love there is God.
We invited Fr. Tom to dinner at our house and explained why we wanted to join Good Shepherd, even though we were not in the catchment area of the parish. There our fellowship began, and it did not take us long to get involved in parish ministries. Den & I became involved in Pre Cana, a ministry we had been involved in for over 35 years now. Fr. Tom and Sister Ellen invited us to host a Parish Retreat and what I first though meant hospitality evolved into us directing Parish Retreats and training team members. Fr. Jerry Ringenback and Deacon John invited us to cook several meals for special occasions and decorate Fellowship Hall for large celebrations.
Personally, I am a Eucharistic Minister who brings communion to the homebound. This ministry is a blessing in my life and a great source of grace to be able to bring Jesus and the love of this community to those who cannot get to the church because of sickness or age. I am currently a member of the Parish Council as well and will be stepping down from this ministry at the end of June.
Den and I have truly been blessed by this community and although we transitioning from many of our leadership roles we will always feel a strong attachment to the people of Good Shepherd because of the strength and support we have received over the years. We have and still do feel your hugs in this time of quarantine and social distancing. It has become abundantly clear to us that though we are socially distancing and not meeting you at our beautiful place of worship we will never be spiritually distanced. We are experiencing difficult times but as always. we are the Family of God and I thank you for all the hugs, the prayers and love for embracing our family in the spirit of our parish Vision Statement. God bless you all.
Your sister in Christ,
Barbara Fretto
My Dear Friends:
Today during these hard times, especially for our churches, I would like to share my story of how I became a part of the Church of the Good Shepherd family. I can’t tell you the exact time or date but I know that it was over 20 years ago because our children were in their teens and the parish we were attending was cold and often left us feeling empty, our children were bored and Den and I were not spiritually filled by liturgies and homilies. In short, we were looking for something more. Den & I both grew up Catholic and have always been involved in some ministry in the Catholic church, so we decided to “go shopping” for a new Catholic church.
At the time we lived in Sayville, so we went north on Broadway Avenue and found ourselves at Good Shepherd. We were greeted at the door with the open arms and hugs of Msgr. Tom Spadaro, and Fr. Bob who we knew from Dennis’ Youth Ministry days in Sayville and many smiling faces who welcomed us to the church. We prayed with these welcoming people, many of whom we still see as we walk up the path from the parking lot to the church and in the Narthex. We listened for four Sundays to Fr. Paul, Fr. Bob, Fr. Tom and finally Fr. Charlie and were inspired once again by their homilies. We felt deep in our hearts and souls that we were “home”, but most of all we were touched by the sense of community and genuine care of the people who make a church a church. We knew God lived there because there was Love and where there is Love there is God.
We invited Fr. Tom to dinner at our house and explained why we wanted to join Good Shepherd, even though we were not in the catchment area of the parish. There our fellowship began, and it did not take us long to get involved in parish ministries. Den & I became involved in Pre Cana, a ministry we had been involved in for over 35 years now. Fr. Tom and Sister Ellen invited us to host a Parish Retreat and what I first though meant hospitality evolved into us directing Parish Retreats and training team members. Fr. Jerry Ringenback and Deacon John invited us to cook several meals for special occasions and decorate Fellowship Hall for large celebrations.
Personally, I am a Eucharistic Minister who brings communion to the homebound. This ministry is a blessing in my life and a great source of grace to be able to bring Jesus and the love of this community to those who cannot get to the church because of sickness or age. I am currently a member of the Parish Council as well and will be stepping down from this ministry at the end of June.
Den and I have truly been blessed by this community and although we transitioning from many of our leadership roles we will always feel a strong attachment to the people of Good Shepherd because of the strength and support we have received over the years. We have and still do feel your hugs in this time of quarantine and social distancing. It has become abundantly clear to us that though we are socially distancing and not meeting you at our beautiful place of worship we will never be spiritually distanced. We are experiencing difficult times but as always. we are the Family of God and I thank you for all the hugs, the prayers and love for embracing our family in the spirit of our parish Vision Statement. God bless you all.
Your sister in Christ,
Barbara Fretto
July 5, 2020
Ordinary people helping each other connect life and faith every day. This was our Vision Statement for many years and it still holds true today. When I look around Good Shepherd it is not the beauty of the building that I see, it is the dedication of the people who fill the building that makes my heart beat stronger.
The different ministries that work tirelessly fill it with their time, talent and treasure. Decorating our church inside and out with ceaseless energy, filling it with song and ministering to our people socially and reverently. As I watch our parishioners walk to the front door, even in the worst weather, a smile comes to their face; I’m home. Someone welcomes them and they find the people they have missed the past week. All the people that work together to celebrate the Good News and the good times also comfort each other in the difficult times as we worship our Lord together.
This brings some sanity in our troubled world. After more than 46 years I still look forward to being in the loving embrace of our community of Good Shepherd, every day.--Jack Wrightson
Ordinary people helping each other connect life and faith every day. This was our Vision Statement for many years and it still holds true today. When I look around Good Shepherd it is not the beauty of the building that I see, it is the dedication of the people who fill the building that makes my heart beat stronger.
The different ministries that work tirelessly fill it with their time, talent and treasure. Decorating our church inside and out with ceaseless energy, filling it with song and ministering to our people socially and reverently. As I watch our parishioners walk to the front door, even in the worst weather, a smile comes to their face; I’m home. Someone welcomes them and they find the people they have missed the past week. All the people that work together to celebrate the Good News and the good times also comfort each other in the difficult times as we worship our Lord together.
This brings some sanity in our troubled world. After more than 46 years I still look forward to being in the loving embrace of our community of Good Shepherd, every day.--Jack Wrightson
June 28, 2020
Where to begin? With Father Tom? Because for me, there is no Good Shepherd without him. What about that special feeling you get as soon as you walk in the door. Perhaps it’s the countless number of homilies heard over the years that have touched your heart. It could be the open invitation for all of us, no matter who you are, to come to the Holy Table to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Or maybe, it’s just the people here at Good Shepherd. The ordinary people in the pews. The smile “Hello”. The simple handshake. “Peace Be With You”. You may not know the names, but you know the faces and they all mean something to you. I guess it can all be summed up with one word, “love”. That is what Good Shepherd means to me, a place of unconditional love. --Donna Lovaglio
Where to begin? With Father Tom? Because for me, there is no Good Shepherd without him. What about that special feeling you get as soon as you walk in the door. Perhaps it’s the countless number of homilies heard over the years that have touched your heart. It could be the open invitation for all of us, no matter who you are, to come to the Holy Table to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Or maybe, it’s just the people here at Good Shepherd. The ordinary people in the pews. The smile “Hello”. The simple handshake. “Peace Be With You”. You may not know the names, but you know the faces and they all mean something to you. I guess it can all be summed up with one word, “love”. That is what Good Shepherd means to me, a place of unconditional love. --Donna Lovaglio