News From Home

March 2026

By Sister M. Anselma

Dear Families and Friends!

Many of my high school days held the quiet joy of starting with daily Mass! Seated between my best friend and one of my favorite teachers in the little chapel of our school at the early hour of 7am, I received the nourishment of heaven from the hands of Father Mirabelli, our high school Chaplain. Those moments were heaven on earth to me and had a significant role in the direction of my life.

Father Mirabelli, who served at our high school for 58 years, passed away on February 21st at the age of 94. May God rest his soul and reward him for his faithful service! He was always there in his quiet way, always encouraging us, always walking the halls, always cheering at our games. He was truly a Father to us, and I am grateful to God for him!

One beautiful privilege we experience here at the Home is taking care of retired priests from the Archdiocese and from various religious orders. I am struck, again and again, to see their “flocks,” their spiritual children, follow them here. I can’t tell you how many times I hear people relate “he baptized me,” “he helped me through such difficult times,” “he was such a wonderful pastor,” etc., etc. It is such a privilege to glimpse the impact these men of God have had on so many people, and as a result, the impact they have had on our world.

As many of you know, last week we gathered to say Farewell to our beloved Father Dan Kavanagh, as he begins his newly-appointed role as Pastor of St. Mary Magdalen parish in Brentwood. He, too, has been a wonderful, faithful Chaplain for us at the Mother of Good Counsel Home for the past three years. His ministry to our residents, families, Mission Partners, and Sisters has cultivated space for God to abide among us and to inspire our mission. We thank him for the gift of his priestly ministry, given so generously!!

We are grateful again, that a new Chaplain, Father Nick Muenks, will begin his ministry here at the Home on March 8th! Father Nick will serve as Chaplain part-time as he continues his work as a canon lawyer at the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese. He has been a priest since 2006 and has a reputation for being a kind and generous soul. We can’t wait to welcome him to our Home. Please join us at 10:15 AM on Wednesday, March 18 in the Community Room for a Meet and Greet gathering for Father Nick!

Our Sisters pray each day for priests… for their strength and protection, for them to be faithful and holy, and for them to help others know the Heart of God. I ask you to join us in praying for our priests:

Jesus, Good Shepherd,

You have come to search out and to save what was lost. You have instituted the priesthood of the Church to continue Your work for all time. We beseech you earnestly: send laborers into Your vineyard. Raise up holy priests in Your Church. Grant that all whom You have chosen from all eternity for Your service may follow Your call, but that no one may intrude into Your sanctuary without being called.

Strengthen all priests in their difficult vocation and bless their efforts and labors. Let them be the salt of the earth that will preserve it from corruption, the light of the world that enlightens all the faithful through word and example. Give them wisdom, patience, and strength so that they may promote Your glory, spread Your Kingdom in the hearts of men, and lead the souls entrusted to them to eternal life.

Amen.

In His Merciful Heart,

Sister M. Anselma
Administrator