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Reverend Salvatore Rodino’s Ministry
“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”
~ St. John Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests
St. Bonaventure's Church
Father Salvatore Rodino served as pastor at St. Bonaventure’s Church from 1991 to 2005. The mission of St. Bonaventure Church is family and to create a spirit filled environment. Father Rodino did just that over the 14 years he served at St. Bonaventure’s parish. He returned St. Bonaventure’s Church back to the people and made it a viable parish it once was and he did so with a great deal of sacrifice.
Again, Father brought families back to the Catholic Church. Father Rodino has this unique gift to bring his parish people together. He pulls everyone together and makes everyone a part of their church. Even at St. Jude the Apostle he instilled that in every person – young and old – that our church was our house of worship. His parish families and the children mean everything to Father Rodino no matter what parish he was assigned to. All of his past and present parishioners will tell you that during masses, children were able to sit on the steps of the altar, walk up on the altar and up and down the church isles.
When Father Rodino arrived at St. Bonaventure the church itself was used as an all purpose building. Not only was the church used for weekend services but it was used for bingo, wedding receptions and banquets. It was Father Sam’s dream to change the set-up and to keep the church separate from social events. Father Rodino strongly believed that a church was a sacred place to pray and worship. Two additions to the church facilities were completed during his tenure.
He also enhanced the church grounds; expanded and repaved the church parking lot, and obtained a deed to adjoining land on the north east border of the property for future expansion. He painted the interior of the Church and the Stations of the Cross and established the Annual Food Festival which he also started at the St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Community.
Upon his arrival, Father Rodino was faced with yet another parish in debt. The finances at St. Bonaventure were in terrible shape. But Father Sam immediately took charge and over time he brought the parish out of a bad financial situation. He is to be credited for his hard work and devotion because he brought St. Bonaventure’s back to where it is today.
Father Rodino established the Youth Ministry group at St. Bonaventure’s. He had the Stations of the Cross outdoors and the confirmation students had to shadow the stations. Father has and continues to teach each and every one of us the gospel of Lord as relates it to our everyday lives. Father’s homilies are so memorable. He truly has a special way of teaching God’s word.
He improved the religious services and increased parishioners’ involvement and attendance. Father Sam spent a great deal of energy making sure that all parishioners had the opportunity to become involved in all aspects of the church whether it was the women’s club, men’s club, children programs; religious education, two different choirs, work and maintenance, altar servicers, lectors, and Eucharistic ministers.
Father Rodino is an intense priest, who is a credit to the priesthood. He has and continues to be a strong role model for so many…young and old. No matter what Father Rodino does it is always centered all-around God.