October 18, 2026 • Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parish Family,

This week, all the priests of our diocese will gather for our annual priests’ workshop. This gathering provides an opportunity for continuing education, prayer, and fellowship as we seek to grow in our service to Christ and his Church. Just as parishioners benefit from opportunities to deepen their faith, priests also need time to learn, reflect, and encourage one another in the vocation entrusted to us.

While we are away, Masses and pastoral emergencies here at Good Shepherd will be covered by Monsignor Joseph J. Nicolo of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I am grateful for his willingness to be with us and to ensure that our parish community continues to receive the sacramental care it needs.

Monsignor Nicolo brings more than fifty years of priestly experience to his ministry. Ordained in 1974, he began his priestly service at Holy Saviour Parish in Norristown. He later served for twenty-three years as pastor of Saint Helena Parish in Blue Bell and is now its pastor emeritus. During his pastorate, he helped guide the parish through the construction of a new church, dedicated in 2004, along with other improvements to its facilities.

Having retired as a pastor in 2023, Monsignor Nicolo continues his priestly ministry at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Trooper (Montgomery County), celebrating Mass, visiting the sick, and assisting other parishes. His approach to priesthood emphasizes serving the needs of the people and extending a warm welcome to those who come to the Church. We are blessed to benefit from that same spirit of service this week.  Monsignor Nicolo is a dear friend of mine for over thirty years.  He is a tremendous blessing in my life, and I know he will be a blessing to our parish this week.

Please join me in welcoming Monsignor Nicolo to Good Shepherd. If you see him before or after Mass, take a moment to introduce yourself and thank him for being here. Should a pastoral emergency arise, please contact the parish through our usual channels so that assistance can be arranged.

I also ask you to remember our priests in your prayers throughout the workshop. Pray that these days will renew our faith, strengthen our brotherhood, and help us return to our parishes with fresh energy and a deeper commitment to the people we serve.

Know that I will be remembering you in prayer as well. Thank you for your understanding, your support, and the many ways you help make Good Shepherd a community of faith and care. May Christ, our Good Shepherd, continue to guide us all in his love each day!

Grace and peace!
Father Neil Sullivan