Creating a family atmosphere at a trio of Five Towns churches

The congregations of St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, St. Joachim’s R.C. Church and Our Lady of Good Counsel joined together on June 11 to celebrate Father Thomas Moriarty’s 25th anniversary of his ordainment.

St. Joseph’s hosted members of all three parishes for a mass of thanksgiving and a small celebratory mixer afterwards.

While the actual anniversary was May 30, the three parishes gathered at St. Joseph’s to thank Moriarty for the work he’s done with for them. He’s been at St. Joseph’s for more than 12 years, Our Lady of Good Counsel for more than six and St. Joachim’s since last October.

Ella Cascardi is a member of St. Joachim’s congregation and appreciates Moriarty’s compassion and the way he conducts services. “He gives such wonderful services and he’s very caring in how he helps with the poor and less fortunate,” she said.

Moriarty grew up in East Rockaway and decided to enter the priesthood as a young adult. “It’s something I had thought about for most of my life, and when I was in my early twenties I decided I would find out if it was for me,” he said. “I tell people all the time, if I could do it all again I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve never been unhappy … It’s a great privilege to do what I do.”

Moriarty’s friend and peer, Father Eric Fasano, the resident priest at Our Lady of Good Counsel, praised his ability to work with all three churches and said he hopes to be lucky enough to work with him for many more. “Father Tom’s good nature, wit and Irish charm has united the people of the three parishes in one heart,” Fasano said.

Moriarty has loved working with and bringing all three congregations together. He said, “Everybody’s been unbelievable, it’s been like one big family.”