Dear St. Gabriel Church community,
There are no words to express my gratitude to Almighty God for His call to ministry, especially here at St. Gabriel Church for the past 12 years. Your overwhelming love, acceptance and support for Judy and me has been felt since day one. 
 
As I transfer to St. Luke Catholic Church, closer to my home, I have reflected on Isaiah 54:2. “Enlarge the place of your tents, stretch out the curtains of your dwelling; spare not, strengthen your pegs.” 
 
On the day of my ordination, J
une 1, 1996, when my name was called by John Cardinal O’Connor in St. Patrick Cathedral, NYC, I responded, “I come to serve. Here I am Lord, send me.” In New York, the Lord sent me to serve as deacon at St. Augustine parish, University Chaplain at NY Medical College, and on the Cardinal’s Advisory Board. In 2010, the call to “enlarge my tent” came in our move to Charlotte.
 
Now, after much discernment, prayer and with the support of my wife Judy, I’ve recognized the call to “stretch the tent” again and move to a parish closer to home. After consulting with the Diocesan Director of Deacons, the pastor of St. Luke, and Fr. Richard - and with the approval of Bishop Jugis -  I will begin serving at St. Luke Catholic Church in Mint Hill, NC on January 2. 
 
I am most thankful to Fr. Frank O’Rourke for his support and friendship, to Fr. Richard and Fr. Mike  for their leadership, and to my brother deacons, Michael Goad, Chris Vigliotta, and Mark Diener for the joy of serving together. I am also grateful to our amazing parish staff, both present and past, for all they do each day in serving us.
 
Remember, Judy and I are only a heart beat away, so come and visit.
Let’s keep in touch. 
 
With thanks and gratitude,
Deacon Larry O’Toole

Email Deacon Larry here