Fr. Pawel was required to return to Poland while navigating the steps to renew his visa. In his absence, Fr. Tomy Philip will serve as the Parochial Administrator at St. Thomas and St. Mary's.  Fr. Tomy has provided the following to introduce himself to members of both parishes.

​Meet Fr. Tomy Philip SAC

Dear Parish communities of St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Mary of the Assumption,

It is with great joy that I introduce myself to you as Fr. Tomy Philip, part of the Congregation of Pallottine Fathers and Brothers. I am delighted to join your parish as the Parochial Administrator in our collective journey of faith.

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I was born on May 24, 1974, in India’s beautiful state of Kerala - rightly known as “God’s own country.” My family, a source of constant support and love, includes my parents, who are gracefully enjoying their golden years, as well as my brother and three sisters, all happily married.

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After my ordination on May 5, 2004, I served a year in India’s remote missions, enriching my pastoral skills and strengthening my commitment to serving communities in need. I then dedicated four years as the Vocation Director for my congregation, guiding young men in discerning their priestly call.

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In 2009, I was blessed with the opportunity to study in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University, where I obtained a License in Priestly Formation and subsequently pursued a Ph.D. During this period, I served as the Parochial Vicar at Regina Apostolorum Parish, gaining invaluable pastoral experience over nine years. During this time, I had been blessed in a huge way with very many opportunities to have personal interactions with Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

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After nine fulfilling years in Rome, I returned to India in 2018 to become the Rector at a minor seminary. This role allowed me to teach Theology and spirituality at various seminaries and religious institutes, feeding my passion for education. During that time, I also served as a parish pastor. I have been blessed by God to have spent over 30 years working in the youth apostolate, guiding young people in their faith journey. After six years of intense ministry of training the seminarians, I was asked to serve the people of God in the United States. From November 2025 to the present, I have been serving at the Blessed Sacrament Parish in the Springfield diocese.

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Joining St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Mary of the Assumption Parishes is an exciting step, and I am eager to engage in community-oriented pastoral work. I look forward to meeting each of you, learning from you, and contributing positively to our parish life.

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I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to share in your lives and grow in faith together. Let us build a welcoming, inclusive environment, strengthening one another in spirituality and service.

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Thank you sincerely for your warm welcome.

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With blessings,
Fr. Tomy Philip SAC