By Brian McLaughlin
"I think the tragedy is something that will always effect our parish," said Sister Barbara Faber of OLP, "But people are really progressing forward now. That's the way Father Larry would want it."
Penzes was viewed as a pillar of the Lynbrook community, serving as a productive participator in community youth organization programs and being accredited with saving the church from financial ruin. There is no doubt Penzes' passing left a void in the community, but village residents and church staff have started down the road to healing with several memorials honoring Penzes and the recent naming of Father Mark P. Rowan as the church's new permanent pastor.
At a recent village meeting, a commemorative plaque was presented to OLP on behalf of the Summer Celebration Committee in recognition of Penzes' and Tosner's dedication to the church. Father Bill Singleton, who was serving as interim pastor at OLP at the time received the plaque on behalf of the church.
Penzes' brothers Robert and Ken and Tosner's husband Frank were also on hand at the meeting to speak on behalf of their departed loved ones. Robert and Ken Penzes offered a heartwarming anecdote about his brother, and Ken told residents that "Larry loved the people in this community, and always tried to bring them together."
Ken felt that the plaque stood as a sign of "how much the public cared for and continues to care for Larry," while Bob assured those in attendance how much Larry cared for them.
Frank Tosner gave a humble thanks to the village and the church for their support in this trying time.
As an additional touching tribute, the village is honoring Penzes by renaming Fowler Avenue, the street that runs along Our Lady of Peace's eastern side, as Father Larry's Way.
"Father Larry was an excellent man and definitely deserves such an honor," said local parishioner Arsenio Hernandez.
A ceremonial renaming will take place sometime this month. With these memorial tributes, the OLP parish hopes to preserve at least a sense of Father Larry's presence within the church.
The path to healing
Although the deaths of OLP's devoted priest and parishioner certainly dealt a harsh blow to the church, it also caused a strong resurrection of spirit and participation on the part of the parish. Attendance has remained high and most churchgoers said they feel a strong sense of community at masses.
"We owe a lot to all the great people we have here," said Faber, "Both in the parish and the church itself, all our volunteers work very hard to make this such a great place."
The people at OLP had to work extra hard for these past few months since Penzes' death left the church without its head pastor and one of its only regular priests. The church has depended on interim pastors since Penzes', primarily Father Bill Singleton from St. Raymond's Church. But now, with the reinstatement of Rowan, OLP finally has their own permanant pastor again, a big help in getting the church back on its feet.
The reinstatement of Rowan took a little while since he actually completed his time as a regular priest at the church at the beginning of the year. Rowan began his new position, working with hostel ministry at Nassau County Medical Center, in January. A member of the US Air Force reserves, Rowan was actually planning to sign on for active duty beginning in June. However, Rowan made a quick return to Lynbrook as soon as he heard the news about his former parishioner and his dear friend.
Rowan led the memorial service for Penzes and Tosner that took place on the day of the shooting. The bereaved parishioners seemed comforted to have a familiar face on the altar. In fact, OLP parishioners seemed so happy to see Rowan again that they began writing up a petition requesting that he take over Penzes' position as the church's head pastor.
Rowan'sreinstatement to the church staff was made official on Tuesday, June 25.
OLP's parish was very glad to hear of Father Mark's return.
"I think it's important to have Father Mark back at this time," said parishioner Catherine Schneider, "He has done so many great things for the church in the past."
Father Mark was unable to be reached for comment due to the busy schedule he has taken on with his new responsibilites. Indeed, he and the rest of the people at OLP are hard at work helping the church recover and improve.
