Ave Maria Bids Farewell to Fr. Tatman
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Published on Sunday, 09 June 2013 22:30
Parishioners recalled Fr. Robert Tatman's caring, personal attention to their spiritual needs over the weekend as they gathered to wish him well at the close of his assignment as the first pastor of the Quasi Parish of Ave Maria Oratory.
Fr. Tatman assumes his new responsibilities Monday as pastor at San Antonio church in Port Charlotte. He was named the administrator of the newly-created quasi parish in March, 2008, when Bishop Frank Dewane dedicated the Ave Maria oratory, and was later promoted to pastor.
He served six years in a delicate role, balancing the needs of the residents and those of Ave Maria University, which owns the distinctive church in the town center.
Jeff Ball, grand knight of the Ave Maria council of the Knights of Columbus, presented Fr. Tatman with a plaque of appreciation at a gathering of about 200 well-wishers Saturday evening in the AMU ballroom, thankikng Fr. Tatman for his "passionate service to the community, his evident love of Christ, and his fidelity to the Church and Magisterium." Several other members of also took the microphone to personally thank Fr. Tatman for helping them, and for his service to the community in general.
Fr. Tatman's last Mass at Ave Maria was the 12:30 p.m. Mass Sunday.
Bishop Dewane has named Fr. Cory Mayer, who has been parochial vicar at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, as the new parish administrator beginning Monday, June 10. Fr. Mayer also is the diocesan director of vocations, and will remain in that capacity.
photo of Fr. Tatman taken at his going-away party by Robb Klucik
