Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Blessed Trinity Parish in Orlando has welcomed a new pastor, Father Phil "Skip" Negley, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette. Father Negley has taken over the position previously held by the late Father Roland Nadeau. On January 14, Father Negley was installed as the pastor by Bishop John Noonan.

Father Negley's appointment came as a surprise to him. Just 16 days into his retirement, he received a call asking for his help. "I wasn't expecting that at all," he laughed, joking that he should be in the Guinness Book of Records for the shortest retirement ever. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Father Negley accepted the move to Florida from Texas, looking forward to a new adventure.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Father Negley was ordained as a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette in 1973. With his background in vocation and formation of priests, as well as his vast leadership experience and Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality, Father Negley is well-equipped to lead Blessed Trinity Parish into its next phase of growth.

Since taking on his new role, Father Negley has been impressed with the kindness, generosity, and warmth of the staff and parishioners at Blessed Trinity. He described the parish as well-run, with good liturgies and fine people. His goal is to bring renewal to the parish where it is needed.

To better understand the needs and aspirations of the parishioners, Father Negley plans to hold a series of listening sessions. These sessions will cover various ministries, including catechism, creation care, youth ministry, and liturgy. Father Negley is particularly interested in discussing vocations. He believes that in order to have a strong presence in the parish, vocations must come from within the parish community itself.

The core of the listening sessions, according to Father Negley, is to listen to the Holy Spirit and create an atmosphere of prayer and hospitality. He wants to hear what the people want and what the Holy Spirit is calling him to do. When asked questions, Father Negley responds openly and honestly, sharing his beliefs and what he believes the Holy Spirit guides him to do.

As a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, the charisms of the La Salettes are the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Father Negley sees these two sacraments as going hand in hand, nourishing and forgiving the soul. He hopes to remodel the church to make the Eucharist and the Tabernacle more central and to create a dedicated space for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Father Negley also has plans to introduce daily Mass throughout the year and establish an ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) ministry. He believes that these additions, along with the existing LifeTeen ministry for youth, will bring about a great amount of grace and renew the parish.

Despite his plans for retirement being modified by God, Father Negley is fully engaged in his new role as pastor. He humorously remarks that when he comes around, everyone goes running. But he reassures them that he is not looking for money, but rather lives and commitment.

Father Negley's enthusiasm and dedication to his new position are evident. With his leadership and the support of the parish community, Blessed Trinity Parish is poised for growth and renewal under his guidance.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, January 18, 2024