Oblates For All Seasons

Oblates for All Seasons

“….A Time and Purpose for Everything Under Heaven”

(With due deference to Father Tom’s penchant for sharp focus and brevity.)

             As we begin to transition from the warmth of the ocean waters of late Summer to the crisp and colorful foliage of Autumn in New England, i.e., Boston, we note with gratitude the crescendo-like transition in the role of Spiritual Director of the Missionary Oblate Partnership from Father Tom Singer, OMI to Father Séamus Finn, OMI.

Father Tom Singer, OMI

Effective September 1, Father Tom will transition to more one-on-one spiritual direction primarily among the people in Belleville and surrounding areas.  Moreover, Father will continue his weekend ministry with Unbound, formerly the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.  Throughout the last six (6) years as Spiritual Director of the Partnership, Father Tom’s missionary spirit and pastoral guidance have been invaluable to fostering its deeper understanding of and witness to the Oblate charism.  Father’s spiritual guidance and insights have helped to guide the Partnership’s mission and Mission Statement, and provide cohesion in shaping its identity.   Writer and reader alike have greatly benefited from the expansive depth of Father Tom’s knowledge of the Catholic Church, Oblate foundation, and editing skills.

Father Séamus Finn, OMI has been the Director of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate current United States Province Office of Justice, Peace, & Integrity of Creation (JPIC) since its

Father Seamus Finn, OMI

inception in 1999.  The JPIC ministry has been a priority of the Oblate mission in the US  since 1983.  His extensive work in this field of public policy advocacy and faith-consistent investing with the collaboration of a well-qualified team adds a very dynamic and contemporary dimension to the Oblate charism and St. Eugene de Mazenod’s missionary spirit of evangelization.  Séamus is a frequent public speaker, has been quoted in the religious and secular press, blogs for the Huffington Post and made an appearance on The Daily Show on Comedy Central.  He is also a presenter and participant in many international conferences on peace, justice, responsible investing, and the environment.  Father is especially renown in the Catholic Church and inter-faith circles for his on-going work in ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.

The Missionary Oblate Partnership is most grateful to Father Tom Singer, OMI for his faithful witness, dedication, spiritual guidance and ever-present sharp humor.  We wish Father the very best as he continues his ministry and finds the time to stop, smell the roses and enjoy the scenery.  Father Tom’s presence will be missed and always remembered with love and gratitude.

The Partnership welcomes with equal gratitude and admiration Father Séamus Finn, OMI.  We are grateful for his openness and availability to add the Partnership to his already extensive ministry.  We look forward to his uniquely Oblate spiritual guidance and insights on the issues of day and their role in helping to deepen our understanding of the Partnership’s Mission, its collaborative support of the Oblates, and authentic witness to Pope Francis’ Joy of the Gospel.

Diane Conocchioli

Partner and Grant-writer