The Parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church came together on Sunday, June 12, 2022, to wish their Pastor, Fr. Joseph Vigil, farewell as he retired from the parish after 10 years of leading the parish community. The event took place at 12 p.m., in the Fr. Charles J. Murray Parish Hall. Over 300 members of the St. Joseph Church came to the reception to wish Fr. Joseph goodbye as he will be assigned to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, NM. The picture below of the Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Santa Fe, NM, is Fr. Joseph's home parish. He departs Pueblo on June 20.
The reception opened with a moving farewell message by Parish Council President, Sam Pantleo on behalf of the parish. Colorado State Senator Nick Hinrichsen then issued a proclamation on behalf of the Colorado General Assembly to Fr. Joseph on the incredible devotion he has given to St. Joseph Church and the community. Afterwards, Pantleo and long-time staff member Judy Martinez presented Fr. Joseph a going away present from the parish community (a rotating picture frame with the slideshow that was shown at the farewell reception) that was created by the church webmaster, John Barker, Jr.
Lemonade, water, coffee and 600 cookies were devoured during the three-hour event. Below are pictures of the farewell reception that were taken by Javier Quinines and Barker. A video of the beginning of the farewell reception is also credited to Quinones.
