We’ve cared for each other. We’ve attended the baptisms, weddings, bar mitzvahs, funerals of our children, our parents, our spouses. We’ve watched one another’s children grow and graduate, shared the struggles of a divorce or the fears brought about by illness. And tonight, we remember those colleagues who are no longer with us.

Today is really a celebration as we acknowledge the accumulated years we have worked together. We are reminded that we are here because of our common goal. This gives our work purpose. Maybe you came here just to get a job to pay the bills. But you stayed because this became your home, maybe your second home. And the people we work with became our family. I look around this room and I see people that I have worked with, served on committees with, developed projects with. We’ve implemented new ideas, strategies and processes. We’ve agreed on many things. We’ve had our share of arguments. Yet we have all strived to make this a better place. For those we serve and for ourselves. For this, we can be thankful.

And we pray all these things through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

— Rev. Fred Zagone, S.J.