St. Bridget of Sweden Parish Marks Pastoral Transition with Farewell and Welcome

CHESHIRE, Conn. — St. Bridget of Sweden Parish is entering a significant period of transition as parishioners bid farewell to Pastor Father Jeffrey V. Romans and Parochial Vicar Father Ajeesh Ouseph while preparing to welcome Father Aidan Donahue as the parish's new pastor.

The transition marks the conclusion of Father Romans' 12-year tenure leading the parish and Father Ajeesh's seven months of ministry in Cheshire. Both priests have accepted new assignments within the Archdiocese of Hartford and will begin serving at Christ the King Parish in Wethersfield.

A Weekend of Gratitude

Parishioners gathered throughout the weekend following each Mass for a farewell Coffee/And reception in the Parish Center, offering an opportunity to thank both priests for their service and wish them well in their new ministries.

The weekend farewell followed a parish celebration held June 25 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, where parishioners, clergy, staff, and volunteers reflected on the ministries of both priests and shared memories from their time at St. Bridget.

Father Romans Reflects on Twelve Years

During his final homily as pastor, Father Romans reflected on the relationships that shaped his ministry in Cheshire.

Recalling the story of a young boy preparing to move away, he described the sadness of leaving "the people who helped me become me," saying he felt similarly as he prepared to leave the parish after more than a decade.

Father Romans noted that his priestly vocation requires obedience to the Church's assignments, acknowledging that while pastors come and go, the mission of the Church remains centered on Christ.

He reflected on many milestones experienced alongside parishioners, including baptisms, weddings, funerals, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth of St. Bridget School, campus improvements, the merger of three parishes into one community, and the expansion of parish ministries.

Rather than pointing to buildings or programs as his greatest accomplishment, Father Romans expressed gratitude for the parish community itself.

He thanked parish staff, teachers, volunteers, ministry leaders, musicians, catechists, Knights of Columbus members, Women's Society members, altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and the many parishioners whose daily commitment to their faith helped shape the life of the parish.

"The future of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish depends not on me, but on Jesus," he told the congregation. "He has already proven His faithfulness to us in countless ways."

Father Romans concluded by thanking parishioners for helping him become "a better person and a better priest" and said he would continue remembering the parish in prayer wherever he celebrates Mass.

Father Ajeesh Offers Thanks

Following Father Romans' remarks, Father Ajeesh addressed the congregation with words of gratitude.

Reflecting on his journey from India to Connecticut, he joked that moving from Cheshire to another parish assignment would be easier than leaving his home country three years earlier.

Although he served at St. Bridget for approximately seven months, Father Ajeesh said parishioners quickly made him feel like part of a much larger family.

He thanked the congregation for its hospitality and promised to continue praying for the parish while asking parishioners to remember both priests in their prayers.

Fenway Says Goodbye

The pastoral transition also includes one of the parish's most recognizable four-legged members.

Fenway, Father Romans' golden retriever, became a familiar and beloved presence throughout the parish campus, frequently greeting parishioners, students, and visitors at the rectory and around church grounds.

In a farewell message shared through the parish's social media, written from Fenway's perspective, the dog reflected on growing up at the rectory, enjoying walks around the campus, visiting students at St. Bridget School, watching the neighborhood from his favorite window seat, and receiving countless treats—including his favorite bananas—from parishioners.

The message thanked the community for years of affection and friendship while expressing excitement about beginning a new adventure alongside Father Romans and Father Ajeesh in Wethersfield.

Parishioners will be able to continue following Fenway's adventures through a new "Fenway Friday" social media page at Christ the King Parish.

Ministry Beyond the Parish

In the days leading up to his departure, Father Romans also concluded his final appearance on the parish's online faith formation series, The Word and Us, alongside Sister Fiat Marie and Joe Gagliardi.

The episode examined Chapter 8 of the Gospel of Luke and discussed the interpretation of the Greek word adelphoi, commonly translated as "brothers," within Catholic biblical tradition.

The series will continue with its remaining hosts following Father Romans' departure.

Welcoming Father Aidan Donahue

As one chapter closes, another begins with the arrival of Father Aidan Donahue, who assumes

leadership of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish.

Ordained in 1986 for the Archdiocese of Hartford, Father Donahue has served in several leadership roles during nearly four decades of priestly ministry. His previous assignments include service at St. Mary Parish in Milford and leadership of Precious Blood Parish following the pastoral merger of St. Mary and Sacred Heart parishes.

Throughout his ministry, Father Donahue has emphasized active participation in parish life, Catholic education, faith formation, reverent liturgy, and charitable outreach.

He is also recognized for encouraging parishioners to become actively involved in ministries that strengthen both parish life and the broader community.

Parish leaders say they look forward to Father Donahue's experience, pastoral leadership, and commitment to fostering a welcoming parish environment.

Looking Ahead

For St. Bridget of Sweden Parish, the pastoral transition represents both an ending and a beginning.

Parishioners leave behind memories formed through years of ministry under Father Romans and the recent contributions of Father Ajeesh while welcoming Father Donahue as the parish begins its next chapter.

As expressed throughout the farewell celebrations, parish leaders emphasized that while clergy assignments change over time, the parish's mission of worship, service, education, and community continues.

The coming weeks will offer parishioners an opportunity both to celebrate the legacy of departing clergy and to welcome new pastoral leadership as St. Bridget of Sweden Parish continues its ministry in Cheshire.