Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace … Amen.

Father Rene L. Parent, M.S., (July 2, 1949 – June 21, 2026)

Dear Parishioners,

Father Rene was a very organized person, very easy to work with and a very quiet and gentle soul who was much loved by the parishioners in the churches in which he ministered.  As well as caring for his spiritual flock, he also took care of his brother Paul who had special needs till his passing 3 years ago.

It was a dream come true for Fr. Rene to visit La Salette in September 2025 in preparation for his Golden Jubilee. He also visited Rome and concelebrated with Pope Leo XIV at the Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Square for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality on October 12, 2025.

Two days before his passing I spent over two hours with Fr. Rene sharing our memories of St. James Parish. He expressed his happiness of being with us in our small La Salette community, bigger St. James family and the meals together with the office staff. He wanted to thank everyone for celebrating his jubilee and for all your cards and gifts. I also read to him all the prayer cards sent to him during his illness, and he was so grateful for your love. 

It is always difficult to say goodbye to someone we love and cherish. But we believe in the hope that he is in the hands of God. He is not alone; we are with him in prayer.

Let us remember the words of Our Lord “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in me… I shall come back to take you with me, that where I am, you also may be. You know the way that leads to where I go.” We pray for Fr. Rene that he may complete the journey to heaven. Say with faith, Fr. Rene, you belong to Christ…

Thank you everyone for your presence and prayers at the funeral of Fr. Rene. 

Let us continue praying for his departed soul. 

Fr. Roy Parayil, M.S. (Pastor)

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Our Parish story is a fascinating story, for it is the ageless Catholic story of struggle and frustration, of success and failure, of sanctity and sin, of life and death. We have so much in our past of which we can be justly proud. We have had tireless priests, sisters, brothers, deacons and so many great parishioners. Our forebears slaved and scraped to pay off depts.; struggled against discouraging odds to minister to people of Danielson and beyond. What no history can adequately tell is the faith of our forebears, their trust in God, their love for one another – in good times and bad, in sickness and health, in poverty and wealth. Priests, Brothers, Sisters, Deacons and people have labored for hundred and fifty six years (1870-2026) to make God’s love known.