Church and community members gathered Sunday morning at Holy Name of Jesus Church (701 E. Gaul St.) to celebrate not only Pentecost, but also to commemorate the Reverend Francis P. Groarke’s service as pastor for the parish. Father Francis, as affectionately called by many parishioners, gave mass Sunday for one of the last times to a full house of faithful church-goers.

In a true testament to his light-hearted nature and humble demeanor, Father Francis opened the farewell mass by joking, “This is not the last supper!” Sunday’s farewell mass also happened to mark 38 years to the day of his first sermon, another cause for celebration and commemoration.

The mood turned somber as Father Francis reflected upon his last seven years as a Fishtown community leader, parish leader and priest. He reminisced on his early years of the priesthood, admitting being scared and timid, but then revealed that he learned to preach from his heart, not his head.

“I learned that I can only share with you what I know,” Father Francis said, “and that is–that God manifests himself in small and subtle ways every day.”

Hardly a dry eye in the room was found when parishioners gave Father Francis a blessing on behalf of the church and offered departing gifts. One was a statue of St. Michael whose most definitive role is protector of the church. Next was a tapestry of rich color and beautiful cloth so as to remind Father Francis of the thread that binds everyone together. Lastly, Father Francis accepted a collage to remind him of the love he opened up within the parish.

Father Francis Groarke has been reassigned to St. Thomas Parish in Glen Mills after seven years of service at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Father Kevin McGoldrick will be giving mass as parish leader effective June 20th.

Several parishioners have begun to petition the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, asking that Father Francis might stay at Holy Name, but no definitive answer has been given as of the publishing date.

Active parishioner Kenneth Opiola began his campaign to keep Father Francis last Friday, June 10th and will continue to fight for him to remain in Fishtown.

“There are two more phases to complete with the Archdiocese on 18th street in Center City before we know for sure whether or not they will let us keep him,” Opiola said.

The farewell mass began at 11 a.m. and continued on until the early afternoon with a warm reception in the church basement following the service. Church members were able to give a more personable and appropriate good-bye to Father Francis while enjoying a rich spread of food, drink and company.

Father Francis promised to take a piece of Fishtown with him wherever he goes and said that he would love to make Holy Name a sister of his new parish. He also promised to write a well-worded goodbye in next week’s church bulletin.

“Coming and going is part of our lives and it’s painful,” Father Francis said. “I will never forget you.”