Reverend’s Last Day in Church

During their last mass together on June 30th, six years to the day, parishioners at St. Anthony and St. Joseph Catholic Churchs say ‘goodbye’ to their pastor, Reverend Lester Menor as he is being reassigned to St. Roberts Church in Sacramento. 

Just before his last mass at St. Joseph’s, Reverend Lester Menor said, “I am so grateful for these 6 fruitful years here in Siskiyou County. I’ve Gained so much love for this parish family. These people will be forever in my heart. 

Approximately 60 people filled the pews on June 30th during mass. In chorus, the congregation’s voices rise in prayer during the last occasion they will have of Father’s service. 

One parishioner says, “Through the years, Father Lester has been our strength seeing us through hard times like the pandemic.”

Parishioner Neva Bailey says, “He is family and we are going to miss him.”

At the end of the service, parishioner Judy Sarti presented Reverend Lester Menor with a picture of the church and a book that was signed by people in the congregation.  She said, “Father, your big heart, patience, and dedication has inspired all of us. Under your guidance and encouragement we now have; three new ministries;  Advent Angels, Community Bell Ringers and Choir at Christmas, and Soup for the Soul were formed.   Your enthusiasm is contagious! We will always remember your games during hospitality Sundays and at our church picnics. There are so many things we wanted to thank Father for that we had to buy a book instead of a card for all of us to share them! Father, on behalf of the parishioners of St Joseph we thank you for sharing God’s gift of love with all of us. We know you love our little parish especially in the snow so we had this picture framed for you and made a small photo album of memories! ”