The church was crowded with visitors and parishioners all coming to wish Father John Milanese well as he begins the next phase of his ministry, as a retired priest. There were children there whose only priest they have known their entire lives is Father John. Out-of-state and summer parishioners attended and paid their respects.

The weekend of Sept. 7th and 8th 2019 were the final Masses he celebrated in the parish, after 24 years as pastor of Our Lady of the Angels (formerly Sts. Donatian and Rogatian).

Jim Kirkpatrick, longtime parishioner and head of the Parish Council, spoke eloquently of Father John and the impact and legacy he leaves behind. Emotional at times, Jim echoed the sentiments of all present in the pews and there were tears shed by many.

Father Milanese will be on hand to provide whatever assistance and 'legacy knowledge' of the parish that our new pastor, Father Scott Gratton requires. Then he will take a few deep breaths!

Father Milanese's final 'whiteboard' homily was given the weekend of Aug 31/Sept 1st.
These are the notes from that homily. He reviewed the 10 points that he reiterated time and again throughout his ministry.

Fr. John's Homily Notes: Aug 31/Sept 1 2019
Father John's Personal Memorare
Jim Kirkpatrick's Speech at Final Masses