For almost 20 years, I have proudly served as a priest in Ocean City, New Jersey, and for the past nine years as your pastor here at St. Damien Parish. It has been an honor and privilege to lead such a vibrant and unified Catholic community anchored in God’s love. Unfortunately, my time here is coming to an end.
On July 15th, 2020, I will be retiring as your pastor. The policy of the Diocese of Camden states “a priest may retire at 70 years of age. However, a priest must retire when he reaches the age of 75.”
In January, I received a letter from the Personnel Office of the Diocese stating I must submit my resignation by January 30th to the Bishop.
On February 12th, 2020, I received a response to my resignation letter from Bishop Sullivan. It stated: “Permission is granted to you to retire effective July 15, 2020 from active ministry and to resign from your present assignment as Pastor of Saint Damien Parish in Ocean City.”
Bishop concluded his letter: “’Well done, good and faithful servant,’ the words of Jesus, can be said of you. For forty seven years as a priest, you have built up this local church. For which I say, thanks be to God and thanks be to Michael Rush.”
I want you all to know that if it were up to me, I would stay as long as I could. I’ve loved and appreciated my time in Ocean City, but the decision is out of my hands and God has a different plan for me.
I’d like to extend a special thank you to all of St. Damien’s parishioners, active and inactive, for making each of our three churches so special and reflective of the love of God. May the Lord bless each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
– Father Michael P. Rush
6 Comments
Mary Terese Karanik
“Good and faithful servant,” humble and very meaningful words. In my opinion, your job at St. Damien has been especially challenging and John and myself will try to continue supporting all the goodness and work you have inspired in our parish community. Thank you. As you well know, we never walk alone and may God shower you with many blessings wherever you go. Peace, Mary Terese
Longtime Ocean City Priest Announces Upcoming… Pingback
[…] to lead such a vibrant and unified Catholic community anchored in God’s love,” Rush wrote in a letter. “Unfortunately, my time here is coming to an […]
Mike Schulte
Truly a great leader. Father Russ has done so much for the community managing three parishes, even extending his influence to the far parts of the world including Tanzania and Arusha.
Robert and Diane Weiss
God Bless you,Father Rush,In our opinion you are the best. We will never forget you and hope to see you frequently in the
future. Please stay well and enjoy your well-earned retirement. Bob and Diane Weiss
Charles & Jo-Ann Cogan
Father Mike, sorry to see you leave. You will be missed. It’s easy to see how devoted and dedicated you are when you say Mass. May God bless you and we hope you enjoy retirement. Sincerely, Charles and Jo-Ann Cogan
Francis X McCormac
Well done Father Rush.We all hate to you go. I wish love and prayers in your retirement Stay well.