Historical May 1981 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Father Salvatore Polizzi, the new pastor of St. Roch’s, stated in a recent interview at the rectory, that he felt very welcomed by the parishioners and neighborhood residents.
He added that this was especially evident at the St. Patrick’s party where he appreciated the good will conveyed by the people there.
Father Polizzi is still getting settled, or as he phrased it: “getting my own house in order before visiting families in the area.” With the activity of Monseignor Peet’s farewell reception and the liturgical events of Holy Week, as well as his recent move into the St. Roch’s rectory, the new pastor said that more time will be needed to know the parish and its people.
But he has plans to visit all the schools in the neighborhood, as well as meet with the area firemen and policemen.
Father Polizzi said that he has already become acquainted with other church ministers in the community.
One of his major plans is to visit every family in the parish, as he stated: “in alphabetical order, by the end of this year.” St. Roch’s is the third assignment for Father Polizzi.
His first parish was St. Ambrose, immediately after ordination.
He then went to St. Catherine of Alexandria in Riverview Gardens in 1959.
He returned to St. Ambrose in 1964 where he felt a close kinship with the people, as he speaks Italian and is fluent in three dialects.
His work there gained national recognition.
In welcoming Father Polizzi to St. Roch’s, Archbishop May said that this is “A new spring and a new life for St. Roch’s.” The new pastor views his role as one in which the priest will be wherever the parish boundaries are.
He added: “We deal in services. I want the people to know that I am available to help them.” Father Polizzi has been a close friend of Monseignor Peet’s for many years, and he stated that he is looking forward to his pastorate at St. Roch’s.
The Skinker-DeBaliviere community extends a warm welcome to the new pastor of St. Roch’s.
Original photograph caption
Father Salvatore Polizzi. The Paper, May 1981, page 3. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Paper, May 1981.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1981_05.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
