Norwich bulletin., 1919-09-01
REV. R. p. MoRRIssEY IS
 TRANSFERRED TO PLAiNFlELD

On Sunday morning at St. Thomas church, at Noluntown, Rev. Richard P. Morrissey announced to his par ishioners that inc had been appoint ed by Bishop Nolan to succeed Rev. W. A. keefe. in the pastorate Of St. Johns church. Plainf1eld. Father Morrissey's parishioners and a large circle of nonCatholic friends deeply regret his departure and feel it per scpal loss to themselves and the com munity during his pastorate of eight years in Noluntown. He has made for himself a large circle of friends who have been drawn to him by pleas ing personality and friendly democ- racy. This appointment comes to him in the nature of a promotion. tesIl- flying that his work as pastor of St. Thomas church has been appreciated not only by his parishioners but also by his superiors.
 Father Morrissey is a native of Ire land and comes from an old family well known for it's staunch Catholicity that has given many of it's members to the service of the church.
 He was educated in France and Bel gium, graduating from the famous University of Louvain in July. 1905 and was also ordained to the priest hood there.
 Upon the invitation of his cousin, the late Bishop Tierney of Hartford. this diocese. His first appointment was as a curate at St. Joseph's Will limantic. later at New Haven. Stam- ford and Watertown.
 In September. 1911. he was appoint ed pastor of St. Thcnas church with it's mission church of St. Ann, Glas- go. During his pastorate here both churches have been redecorated and in stations of the cross add to the beauty of this pretty little mission church. which is also clear of all indebted ness. He has also purchased fine new rectory which with it's modern improvements is the equal of any parish rectory in the state. A new heating arrangement and a new ce- ment walk are also recent improve ments added to St. Thomas church, making. the church property in this town a most deSira ble well as val ua ble one.
 Spiritually he has proved a true shepherd to his flock and has worked faithfully for their spiritual welfare. He has received more converts into the church during his pastorate than have been received. during the previ- ous history of this church. He was also deeply interested in the temporal welfare of his people and during the recent epidemic of Spanish inf1uen- ga he 1abored with the health boards of VoIuntown and Griswold and was instrumental in bringing to these will lages a Red Cross nurse who gave re- lief and comfort to many stricken
 
 His work for the various war or ganizations is too well known to need more than casual mention and he was al <1ys a great aid in sending Nolun- town ''oEer the top" on all occasions. In supporting the cause of humanity during the war Father Morrissey stood squarely behind the government and preached the gospel of patriotism with Christianity at every opportu- nifty from platform. altar and pulpit. He labored unceasinEIy and untiringly for the Red Cross. and other organi- :! zations engaged in relief work for the soldiers their dependents and the suf- fering people of stricken Europe l
 Father Morrissey is well known and popular member of White Cross l Council, No. 13. K. of C. of Norwich, 1 and Rev. Daniel /iIilen assembly, l fourth degree, Knights of Columbus. l
 He will assume his duties as pastor | of St. Johns church, Plainfield. some | time during this week and will take | with him to his new charge the hear | ty congratulations upon his promotion | and sincere good wishes for his great i CT success. of this entire community. |