Honoring Fr. John: Memories, Blessings & Farewells by

Elias and Father John. Graduation St. Theresa 2016

2026-06-18 17:31:51 UTC

Graduation with our son Elias 2016

Fr.John, Thank you for being my friend...love, Michele

2026-06-20 18:34:56 UTC

2026-06-24 01:04:38 UTC

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Father John, who came to my mother’s bedside to administer the last rites. His calm presence brought great comfort during a very difficult time, and his gentle, light-hearted spirit was deeply appreciated by our family. He will be greatly missed. Thank you.

Safe Travels, Father John!

2026-06-26 06:04:00 UTC

This is my 3rd week with St. Theresa. You were the priest at my first attendance. You greeted me warmly and gave me a card for Gifted and Called. I wish I had more time to get introduced. Good luck with your transition. Safe travels!

Fr. John - Thank you for bringing us back to the church.

2026-06-27 19:46:50 UTC

So sad to hear you will be leaving St. Theresa's parish but so grateful that we have had you in our lives. You dont know this - but somehow your Homilys always provide us guidance and wisdom with what my husband and I talk about going to/from church. Its like you are riding along in the car with us! Thank you for your insight and gift of the Holy Spirit. May your next chapter be filled with joy and peace. - John and Tracey MacDonald

From David Anacan

danacan2005_1 — 2026-06-28 01:24:32 UTC

Thank you for everything, Father John. You have watched me grow up from a first grader all the way to the man I am now. You have guided me on a path closer to God and I am so thankful to have met a kind and wise soul like yours. Words cannot describe how appreciative my family and I are for everything you have done for the community. I pray you are met with many more blessings in this next journey of yours, the same way you have touched the hearts of so many here. Your prayers for me constantly keep me going through my journey as well, and if you ever need a doctor in the future; I'm more than happy to fulfill that role! Thank you once again Father.

Thank you!

2026-06-28 16:04:26 UTC

Fr. John, your leadership has helped to make Saint Teresa‘s the warm, welcoming and diverse place that it is. Thank you for encouraging us to follow Jesus more closely and give our lives in service. Here’s to a well-deserved retirement!

Richard Allegra

Paulist Associate

2026-06-29 00:49:47 UTC

Dear Father John, in the five short years since we moved to Palm Springs, we have enjoyed your beautiful Masses, mostly the 5pm Saturday, but also some Sundays and many holidays! You spoke yesterday of "a smile is like a glass of water" for those who thirst. If that is so, then you have satisfied us all at St. Theresa's. I believe you infused the entire parish with your infectious, sincere and wholesome grin. You cast a giant shadow for us and we are better for it. We wish you the best in future and leave you with a thought (paraphrase) from Winnie the Pooh: "How lucky are we to have someone who makes saying good-bye so hard." (A.A. Milne) -- Kevin Irvine & Michael Esquibel

Giving us guidance

2026-06-29 02:45:42 UTC

Father John,

Thank you for being there for me and my family at some of are hardest days and giving us hope. You will be truly missed.

The Palmer-Yang Family

Wyatt, Kimberley and Erik

2026-06-29 17:43:33 UTC

Thank you

2026-06-30 19:04:27 UTC

Fr John

Thank you for helping to create a parish that is loving, welcoming, and holy.

In my 72 years of searching for a community where I am truly welcome, I have finally found the parish that I was longing for.

Well done, Fr John!

Your love is contagious.

Enjoy this next chapter of your life.

Don't be a stranger.

2026-07-05 01:03:42 UTC

Thank you for all you’ve done for us over the many years of your pastoral leader ship!

Good

2026-07-12 16:35:01 UTC

Dear Father John,

I moved to Palm Springs in 2017, and attended the local Catholic Churches. I chose St. Theresa as my parish. You and Father David have created a welcoming, spiritual retreat of peace and grace in which to reflect on and honor our love of God and community and pray for peace and good will for all.

Although I will miss you, I have no doubt the loving community will continue to welcome all in its message of hope and love.

Thank you, Barbara A.

Thank you Fr John

2026-07-13 18:25:58 UTC

You made St. Theresa so welcoming it was like coming home for every celebration whether it be a daily mass or a Holiday. Thank you for taking such good care if our family. Gratefully yours, Lina Sola

Thank you, Father John for baptize me. I will always be grateful and feel more connect to Heavenly Father now more than I ever have. I hope you enjoy your retirement, i hope you get chance to travel to places that you would really love to see and i hope you get chance go to churches that you always wanted to help or volunteer at

2026-07-16 00:16:22 UTC

Christina D