We have been asked quite frequently of late "what is going on" with Fr. Romanowski. He is officially retired and is now residing at his house in Elm (near Hammonton). Hopefully he'll be getting some much deserved rest, but knowing Fr. Romanowski, he'll be busy as ever!

It is our understanding that he will be returning to St. Mary's for the traditional Latin mass. In addition, he will be helping to fill in over at Mater Ecclesiae in Berlin (the traditional Roman Rite mission church in the Diocese of Camden) on a temporary basis.

We at St. Mary's Shrine Parish would like to thank Fr. Romanowski with all of our hearts for his dedication to the Church and to our church in particular. Now would be a very good time to mention just a few of the things that Fr. Romanowski has done for our little parish.

When Fr. Romanowski first came, the lot adjacent to the rectory was just that--an empty lot. The Rosary Garden was his idea. Many parishioners stepped up to the plate, with the grace of God of course, to help make that idea into a reality.

• Father has been a steadfast supporter and participant in the Legion of Mary. We now have two adult Praesidia (groups) as well as the Junior Praesidium.
• He reinstated the Holy Name Society that had been discontinued by a previous pastor.
  
• Father is the spiritual director for the Promoters of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Of course it was Fr. Romanowski who instituted the two-and-a-half (and now three days) of Eucharistic Adoration at St. Mary's. This is no small task for so small a parish, but there is no shortage of graces received!
• We have the traditional Latin mass at our parish now.
• Father has never been known to turn away a soul in need of help, and has always been available for the sacrament of Confession. In a time when other churches have seen a decline in Confession, I know that I personally have been around when Fr. Romanowski has commented about the abundance of Confessions heard at St. Mary's--and not just at the appointed times, either. Even when he was tired after a long day, Father has heard my Confession. I know I don't need to tell you that not all priests are as accessible as this.
• Father has made the Divine Mercy Chaplet a post-mass tradition at St. Mary's.
• He has instituted countless devotions, novenas, special prayers, and has been vigilant in praying for certain special intentions (for example, pro-life, reverence at mass, an increase in attendance at mass, etc.).
• Father is also extremely committed to visiting the sick and homebound.
• He also serves the spiritual needs of the Catholics at the Veteran's Home in Vineland.

On a personal level, those of us who know Fr. Romanowski--myself included--deeply appreciate not only his sincerity but most especially the fact that we never have to doubt his spiritual counsel. He teaches only what Holy Mother Church teaches. Good spiritual guidance is worth more than all the gold in the world.

We at St. Mary's cannot even begin to thank Fr. Romanowski for all he's done for us over the past twelve years. Now our task is to live up to all he's given us, and never take for granted the wonderful parish community he has helped to forge.