05/21/2023
Happy Sunday everyone! Please see this message from our Newman Center director, Fr. Tom
May 21, 2023
Dear Newman Center and Ram Catholic Community,
Since June of 2014 I have had the incredible privilege of serving as director of the Newman Center here at West Chester University. It has been the biggest joy of my life. Recently, I was asked by the archbishop to accept a transfer and move on to another assignment within our Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I was appointed parochial administrator of St. Malachy’s Parish, Philadelphia as well as director of the Newman Center at nearby Temple University. This news certainly came with a great deal of mixed emotions, but I have come to understand the reasoning behind it and am attempting to surrender to the will of God and this request of the local Church.
I am consoled by the fact that my very good friend and dear brother priest, Father Mark Cavara, will be assuming the role of Newman Chaplain at West Chester university later in the month of June. Father Cavara comes to us from Archbishop Carroll high school where he served as school minister. Father Cavara is a wonderful man and priest as I know well. I have been in residence with him for the last two years at St. Patrick parish, Malvern.
I have spent the majority of my priesthood and almost the entirety of my 30’s here at WCU. The community of the Newman Center, especially the students, has formed me into the man I am today, and more importantly, into the priest I am today. It is simply not possible for me to express in words my gratitude. I am confident that this change will be a time of growth for me personally but also a time of growth for our beloved WCU Newman Community.
To our friends of the Newman Center, alumni, local supporters, FOCUS missionaries, former and current students, please know that I love you all. Pray for me and I will pray for you.
Sincerely,
Father Tom Gardner
