By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – There are many changes taking place in the Catholic Church worldwide. One significant change that is affecting Marlborough residents and members of Immaculate Conception Church is the departure of Rev. Michael MacEwen, who will leave the church in June following more than 13 years of service.
“Father Mike,” as he prefers to be called, has been assigned by Cardinal Sean O”Malley to assume a new position, as pastor of the new Natick Collaborative, a cluster of parishes including St. Patrick and St. Linus churches.
On Sunday, June 1, the Knights of Columbus Council 81 Color Corps/Honor Guard will present at the church at the 11 a.m. Mass, to celebrate Father Mike's final Mass as pastor.
Expressing his gratitude to the departing priest, Deputy Grand Knight Michael Gibson said:? “We were saddened to learn that Father Mike has been reassigned and we, as a parish community, will miss him greatly. He has led the community through some difficult times, like the September 11 attacks, changes within the Catholic Church, and the many changes within our parish. The new Natick Collaborative will be blessed by his presence.”
Madeline and Bob Dupuis, who worked closely for many years with the departing pastor through the lector ministry, praised him for his guidance through the changes of Vatican II.
“He has welcomed parishioners from two closed parishes here in Marlborough into the Immaculate Conception Parish family and enabled our parish to become multi-lingual – English, Brazilian/Portuguese and Spanish,” Bob Dupuis said.
“Father Mike has been an inspiration and his messages have been short and sweet but very meaningful,” said parishioner Shirley Veilleux. “I will miss him but wish him all the best.”
The Knights will escort Father Mike down the aisle toward the altar to give his final blessings to the parish and to say farewell.
