With Love and Gratitude

Dear ICC Family,

It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation as pastor and my departure from Immaculate Conception on Wednesday June 25, 2025. My last Sunday Mass will be 11:00am on June 22nd.

The past two years have been a wonderful experience for me. I have met some of the most amazing people and you have welcomed me with open arms. But, I have also learned something about myself and have come to the conclusion, after much soul-searching and consultation, that my true vocation is to be a regular priest. I have neither the interest nor the ability to be an administrator or business manager, both of which I have come to believe are necessary qualifications to be a successful pastor. I just want to be with the people and share the love and joy of God.

The good news is that my replacement, Fr. Tom Pers, is a seasoned pastor (even though he is only 49) and a wonderful priest. Tom is currently serving as associate pastor at St. Mary’s in East Islip. He’s one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. He’s also extremely smart, comes from a nice area (Brightwaters), was an Eagle Scout, and is a gifted preacher – no props, but hey nobody’s perfect! 😂

Just as I am convinced that Pope Leo is the perfect pope for this particular time in the US and world history, I am convinced that Fr. Tom is the perfect pastor for Immaculate Conception. He is also very traditional and bilingual. What’s not to like?! You are going to LOVE Fr. Tom and he will love you!

Please pray for me as I return to my former parish, Corpus Christi in Mineola, where I go every week on my day off. I am confident that you will have an amazing experience with your new pastor, Fr. Tom!

May God bless you all and enjoy the Summer!

Fr. Ken