Community Corner
St. Augustine Parishioners Celebrate Father Gerry Bowen's Legacy
Hundreds of parishioners bid farewell to the pastor of the Elkridge church, who was transferred after 17 years.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, parishioners bid Father Gerry Bowen farewell with a festive reception and gratitude for his 17-year tenure in Elkridge.
One parishioner's husband said he decided to convert to Catholicism because of Bowen and now serves on the parish council. Another touted the pastor as a force for good in a world of negative press regarding the Catholic Church, noting Bowen's ability to bring the community together.
On April 3, hundreds gathered for a final mass at St. Augustine Church with Bowen presiding, followed by a goodbye party. The pastor has been transferred to St. John the Evangelist in Columbia.
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To help set the mood, parishioners donated flowers from their gardens to create several giant bouquets for centerpieces on tables and around the church hall. A committee adorned the hall with spring decorations and provided a catered meal, four cakes and cookies.
The festivities opened with a musical tribute to the priest by St. Augustine's Music Director Paul Lavin. And that was just the first artistic homage.
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The Knights of Columbus and commissioned a painting for Bowen depicting work he had done for the church over the years.
“We thank you. Those simple words don't begin to show how grateful we are for what you have done for the Knights of Columbus and for all of us,” said Frank Staniski, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus as he presented the painting.
In addition to the painting, the parish showed a video of Bowen's accomplishments. A long line of people wished him well as they were leaving.
“I have always been happy as a priest," said Bowen, "but my time here in Elkridge has been the happiest of my life."
