The article below was submitted by a long-time parishioner of Assumption Parish, where Richard Mucowski, OFM, was installed as pastor last month. Richard moved to the parish this summer after having spent seven years as a counselor at FrancisCare in Elmwood Park, N.J. The Philadelphia native held a variety of roles previously, including president of two colleges — Walsh University in Canton, Ohio, and St. Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas — instructor at Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School in Buffalo, N.Y., and executive vice president at St. Bonaventure University.
WOOD-RIDGE, N.J. — Scores of parishioners arrived at Assumption of Our Blessed Lady Church on Oct. 2 for a special 11 a.m. Mass celebrating the installation of pastor Richard Mucowski by the Most Rev. Msgr. John W. Flesey, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Participating in the Mass and installation were Msgr. Lewis V. Papera, pastor of Corpus Christi Church in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., and deacons Nicholas Valdez, Francis Matera and Paul Carris. Priests, deacons, friends and family also attended, including former parish member Cassian Miles, OFM.
During the services, the new pastor introduced the men assigned to work with him — Julian Jagudilla, OFM, Francis Kim, OFM, Paul Keenan, OFM, Valdez and Matera.
Parishioner Jack Nagel and his committee held a welcoming reception following the Mass in the church’s social hall. Members of the Knights of Columbus cooked hot dogs and hamburgers and served them with salads. Parishioners donated desserts. The reception hall was full to capacity with well-wishers.
Wood-Ridge Mayor and State Senator Paul Sarlo welcomed the new pastor, vowed to work with him, and presented him with a proclamation praising his appointment as pastor.
— Peter Gallo has been a member of Assumption Parish for 40 years. He provided the photos accompanying this article.