Florida Catholic | New Pastor Installed

New pastor installed at Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish

ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 10.26.07

ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER | FC
Parishioners congratulate Father Robert Tabbert in the narthex of Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish after he was officially installed as pastor of the church Oct. 14.

FORT MYERS | During a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane Oct. 14, Father Robert Tabbert was officially installed as pastor of Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers.

Father Tabbert said he has felt very much at home at the parish since he arrived there in May.

“This is a new chapter in my life and I truly believe that this is a chapter we will write together,” he told the congregation. “I have strong points. I also have faults and failings. But I’m just a human guy. I’ll walk with you — not in front or behind you — but with you in this journey of life.”

The bishop said Father Tabbert was one of the first priests he met when he came to the diocese.

“I know the great potential of the things he has done and we have no doubt that things will go well,” Bishop Dewane said.

Before coming to Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish, Father Tabbert served at both St. Peter the Apostle and St. Ann parishes in Naples.

“Father Bob, years ago, responded to a call,” Bishop Dewane said during his homily. “Now, as a shepherd representing the bishop in this parish, he will be called to do the same.”

The Gospel reading from the Mass told the story of 10 lepers Jesus healed on the road to Jerusalem. Only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank him. Bishop Dewane said the message of the Gospel was gratitude.

“Today we gather in gratitude for Father Bob,” he said.

As part of the installation ceremony, Father Tabbert promised his faithfulness to church teachings. He also vowed to call on his fellow priests, seven of whom were present, as well as on the pastoral and financial councils, for assistance in caring for the parish and its people.

During the presentation of the gifts, several special items representing Father Tabbert were brought to the altar: a Bible, representing his service to the parish as one who practices and preaches the word of God; a priestly stole, symbolizing his office; blessed oil, reflecting his position as a healer and reconciler; water, representing new life in the sacrament of baptism; a key to the church, so the doors of Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish would always open to those who wish to worship; architectural plans of the parish grounds, to help the community grow in faith; and finally, the official seal of the parish, so Father Tabbert would be a good steward.

Father Tabbert’s niece Suzanne gave him a clock as a reminder to always balance time with work, family, prayer and play. Also during the Mass, his sister Joanne and her husband, John, presented water and wine in the chalice and paten Father Tabbert received from his family when he was ordained in 1979.

After Mass, many Blessed Pope John XXIII parishioners waited in line to congratulate the priest in the narthex of the church.

“He’s just wonderful,” said Lilian Snyder, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion at the parish. “Every Mass he meets and greets people, even if he isn’t saying that Mass, and the children … just love him. I just can’t say enough. We’re very fortunate.”

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New pastor installed at Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish

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