Gate of Heaven Parish History
1983- 2003: Through Uncertain Times
Following the death of Fr. Donovan, Rev. Gilbert S. Phinn was appointed pastor. Father Phinn carried on the fine work and parish ministry started by his predecessors. Father Phinn was a dedicated pastor who was devout in his priestly life. He was known for his kindness and sensitivity toward his parishioners. He constantly worked to maintain the moral fiber of the Gate of Heaven Parish family. He worked tirelessly for the school while trying to keep up with the maintenance of the many buildings that were now visibly deteriorating. But in 1994, Fr. Phinn was transferred to Saint Elizabeth Parish where he served the people of Milton with honor and dedication. In 2003, Fr. Phinn celebrated his 50th Anniversary as a priest with family, friends, and parishioners, including many who traveled from Gate of Heaven Parish. Fr. Phinn died in February 19, 2005.Fr. Alexander Keenan became the next pastor in 1994 taking up all the duties with the help of Father A. Paul White and Deacon Richard Martin. Fr. Keenan came to us with twenty-six years of experience. His assignments included suburban, rural, and urban parish duties. He saw to the needs of the people during his eight year tenure. It was with deep emotions that he moved on to Immaculate Conception Parish in Cambridge in September of 2001. He had become ingrained in the parish life over the years but recognized the need to move on to new challenges in a new parish.
With the departure of Fr. Keenan in October of 2002, word was received that Gate of Heaven Parish would not receive a new pastor. Instead, a temporary administrator was to be appointed. Amongst the sorrow, anger, and pain of the church sexual abuse crisis came the added fear of the uncertainty of the future of Gate of Heaven Parish. Many fears were alleviated when news came that the temporary administrator was Father Robert E. Casey, pastor of the neighboring St Brigid Parish. He was asked by Bernard Cardinal Law to take on the added responsibility of another parish. Along with Fr. Daniel F. Hennessey, a newly ordained priest, and senior priest, Fr. Daniel Sheehan, Fr. Casey began to minister to Gate of Heaven Parish with great zeal, trying desperately to balance the demands of two parishes and two schools with over 640 students. Bishop Richard Lennon, then Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese, appointed another newly ordained priest, Fr. Brian L. Flynn, to Gate of Heaven Parish in June of 2003. With a dedicated pastoral staff, caring school faculty, and many hard working parishioners who volunteer their time, the priests were able to minister to the many needs of both churches.
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