This is the announcement that I made at the end of all the Masses at St. Andrew this past weekend. If YouTube ever cooperates with me, I will add at the end of this blog a video clip of the announcement. Until then, read the text and enjoy.
Fourteen years ago, when I first moved to Milford and into St. Andrew, it never dawned on me how fast the day would come, when I would stand before you to make this announcement.
If we were in the Vatican there would be white smoke coming out of the roof, and someone would step out on the balcony, and shout: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. (I announce to you — A great joy.) Habemus Papam! (We have a Pope!) We would hear his given name and the name by which he chooses to be called.
We are not in the Vatican. Here’s hoping that there is not smoke of any color coming out of the church roof.
But I announce to you a great joy. We have a Pastor! It is the Reverend Father Anthony Cutcher, who chooses to be called Father Tony.
These are the biographical words that he has given to me to speak to you: “Fr. Tony Cutcher was ordained in 1999 by Archbishop Pilarczyk and has served as Parochial Vicar at St. Peter Parish, Huber Heights; Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Newport, OHIO and most recently as pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Saint Marys, OH. He is currently serving as President of the National Federation of Priests Councils, which is headquartered in Chicago. In his role, he travels extensively to speak with priests and bishops and facilitates better communications among the priests, bishops and councils. He is excited to be returning home and resuming pastoral duties.”
You have no idea who he is, do you? Remember that, fourteen years ago, you had no idea who I was either.
God has been very, very good to us. God will continue to be good to us.
Please pray for Father Tony is his transition – and for me in mine.
I will ask Father Tony to join me in praying for you in yours.
With Open Doors 
Please convey that we are a hard working, hard praying, loving church community and hope that we can all pray and work together !!!! You are also in our prayers for the sadness you will feel as you miss us but you know you are always welcome here and in our hearts!
“Remember that, fourteen years ago, you had no idea who I was either.”
We knew who you were then and knew you years before when you had been our Associate Pastor at St. Ignatius. We knew you on your very first weekend at St. Andrew, the weekend of your first Mass there, when you had every reason to be absorbed in your new Parish, your new duties and your new life. We knew you that very Saturday when you came to our West side home to help plan the funeral Mass for our daughter, which you celebrated with us a few days later. We often remember your kindness and compassion as you ministered to our family that day. We know that you have shared your gifts with countless others before and since. We offer our prayers for your transition, retirement and the good that you will continue to do. Ad multos annos.