WESTFIELD – Sunday, February 15, will be the end of an era at St. Mary’s Parish. It is on this date that Fr. Brian McGrath will say his last official Mass at the parish, which he has led and nurtured for more than 12 years. McGrath will start his new assignment at St. John’s Parish in Agawam at the end of February.
During his tenure, McGrath played an integral role in strengthening and growing the St. Mary’s community. He oversaw and participated in a major renovation of the church. From concept to completion, McGrath worked to make St. Mary’s a beautiful place to worship. He also spearheaded the preservation of an historic church bell — a wonderful gift given by some of the church’s earliest parishioners — and mentored several deacons and newly-ordained priests, while provided support to the expansion of St. Mary’s Hispanic ministry.
One of McGrath’s favorite sayings is, “Giving kids a Catholic education is the best gift you can bestow on them.” With this mindset, it is no wonder how much the school has thrived during his tenure. The elementary school and high school each achieved accreditation and pre-kindergarten and preschool levels were added to the curriculum. In 2014, McGrath successfully oversaw the merging of St. Mary’s Elementary and St. Mary’s High School into a single preschool-through-grade-12 St. Mary’s Parish School, allowing for the streamlining of resources, expansion of curriculum and fortification of the school community.
McGrath’s devotion and spirituality will be forever remembered by the St. Mary’s Parish community. In honor of all he has done, he will be celebrated at the St. Mary’s Parish School’s 10th Annual Wine Tasting, to be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Fat Tekoa Country Club. All are welcome to join the celebration!
