It is my sad duty to inform you that Tom Oram, our beloved Musician and Liturgist, has been given a wonderful opportunity to move back to the Midwest and expand his home environment for the growth of his beautiful family. His musical capability is only matched by his engaging personality towards the youth and adults of our Parish Family. I will always remember how much fun I had working with him at Vacation Bible School these past two years as well as countless other times he dedicated his talents for St. John.
— Jean-Paul Boucher General Manager
It has been my pleasure to serve the people of Saint John the Evangelist parish for the past six-plus years. I have been blessed to walk with you each weekend, as well as at our funerals, weddings, concerts, and other celebrations — several thousand liturgies in all! Next month, I return to my Midwest roots, having accepted the position of Worship Leader at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, under Fr. John Riccardo in Plymouth, Michigan. My nal weekend playing Mass here will be February 13-14.
I will always remember fondly how well this parish sings, how much joy its children have (and give) when they sing, and the growth shown by our Adult Choir, as evidenced at Mass each week and on our international pilgrimages. You might not have known you were singing my compositions when singing the psalm each week, but it was always gratifying to hear God praised thus. A particular grace has been observing our young musicians developing their talent and giving it back to the Lord every week at Mass.
Most of all, Martha and I will treasure St. John as the place where we were married (which hundreds of you attended!) and where Susannah and David were baptized. This is a wonderful place; I leave con dently, knowing that the tradition established here is such that you won’t miss a (literal or gurative) beat! Our family echoes the words of St. Paul: “I thank God every time I remember you…” (Phil 1:3)
Respectfully,
Tom Oram, Pastoral Musician and Liturgist