| "I
have grown in my priesthood..."
Fr. Smith to retire from St. Augustine's after 30 years as pastor |
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| WILLIAMSPORT - It
will be no small transition for parishioners of St. Augustine's Parish,
and its mission of St. Michael's in Clear Spring. Rev. Alfred Smith,
pastor, will retire in July, and the parish will see its first new
pastor in three decades. Looking back on his years of experience, Father
Smith is both reflective, and grateful, noting that St. Augustine's was
his only assignment as a pastor.
"I have grown in my priesthood through these years, and am happy for that," he mused. "I hope that the parishioners have grown as well. I am delighted to accept the designation as Pastor Emeritus of St. Augustine's. This parish will always be a special place to me." A Baltimore native, Father Smith will remain a Washington County resident, as he moves to Summerland Manor in Hagerstown. He plans to be available to assist area parishes in sacramental ministry, but is happy to be retiring. "I enjoy what I have been doing, but am definitely looking forward to moving at a slower pace," he said. Father Smith's 45 years of ordained ministry included 7 years as an Associate Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Baynesville, 6 years at St. John, Frederick, and two years as Administrator at St. John in Columbia. A July 8th farewell is planned at the parish. Thank you, Father Smith, for your
years of dedication to ministry, as well as your steadfast support of
the CEM Center.
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