Letter From the Pastor: September 21st
September 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Many of you have inquired about Father Bill Bergen since his move to the Jesuit health care facility adjacent to the campus of Fordham University. I am happy to report that Father Bergen is both in good spirits and good health. There is no doubt that we miss him terribly and have very fond memories of his homilies and his caring presence among us. Now is the time for us to honor him in a fitting and enduring way.
In April of this year, I announced the creation of the Father William F. Bergen, SJ Office of Ignatian Spirituality and Faith Formation. I simultaneously announced the appointment of Ms. Roxanne De La Torre to the position of Pastoral Associate, whose primary responsibility is to coordinate the programming of the Office and identify the resources required for this new undertaking of the parish. Roxanne joined the parish staff in mid-June and has already presented me with her plans for the Office. She will collaborate with all the ministries of the parish as an animator of Ignatian Spirituality, will offer spiritual direction as well as assist individuals who are searching for a spiritual director at the parish or beyond, and will curate a library of books that pertain to Ignatian Spirituality and faith formation. The resource room of materials and Roxanne’s office are located on the first floor of the Parish House. Finally, what I have long regarded as a need of the parish is a regular schedule of retreats for the different sectors of the parish: youth, families, seniors, those discerning a vocation, and by profession (i.e., medical, legal, finance, etc.). Roxanne will take on this responsibility as well.
To accomplish what is envisioned by the Father William F. Bergen, SJ Office of Ignatian Spirituality and Faith Formation will require funding. Please join us in our effort to raise $100,000 to support the programming of the Office and to acquire the resources that will allow the Office to flourish.
Your financial support at this time will put the Office on a solid foundation. Hopefully, its foundation will be as solid and vigorous as the Jesuit priest whom we honor. While Father Bergen was on the parish staff, we were nourished and strengthened in our faith, buoyed by his comforting words when we looked to him for advice and felt the warmth of his love by his gentle demeanor and compassion. I can think of no better way to honor Father Bergen than creating an office bearing his name that will nurture the faith life of parishioners for generations to come.
Thank you for considering and contributing to the Father William F. Bergen, SJ Office of Ignatian Spirituality and Faith Formation. Gifts may be made by check or using the parish website’s “DONATE TODAY” button (link). Checks should be made payable to the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola and designated for Fr. Bergen Office.
Sincerely in the Lord,
Fr. Yesalonia