BOYNTON BEACH | It was fitting to install a pastor July 27, 2025, when in the day’s Gospel reading Jesus’ disciples were asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Teaching and praying are two of the main responsibilities of a priest and pastor.
Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito formally installed Father Alex Vargas as pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Boynton Beach during a joyful liturgy attended by many members, friends and family members, including Father Vargas’ mother, Maria, who was acknowledged by the bishop at the start of the celebration.
In his homily, the bishop called Father Vargas a gifted priest who is well known by the parish, which he has served for a year as parochial administrator and previously as parochial vicar.
“He has, as you know over the years, many, many pastoral skills,” Bishop Barbarito said. “He has a great love for the church. A great love for this parish of St. Thomas More, and a great love for you, the people of the parish. He’s a very capable administrator. He’s a good teacher, a good proclaimer of the Gospel, a good preacher.”
He extolled the virtues of the St. Thomas More community, in which people live their faith, passionately drawn to Eucharist and serve God through a wide range of ministries. “Each and every one of us here is called by name by God to build up the body of Jesus Christ here in Boynton Beach and at St. Thomas More Parish. That’s why St. Thomas More is such a wonderful parish, because of you.”
The brief installation ceremony included reading of the bishop’s letter of appointment and Father Vargas renewing his priestly promises. Bishop Barbarito also recognized members of the parish staff and finance councils, advising Father Vargas to consult them as the “voice of the people” and to “be attentive to the needs which they express.” Father Vargas responded that he would continue to seek their counsel on spiritual and temporal care.
After leading the congregation in the profession of faith, the new pastor agreed to submit himself to God’s word and the bishop’s authority, follow the church’s teaching on faith and morals, and adhere to the wisdom of the pope and the church’s magisterium.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Father Vargas thanked the bishop, Father Brian King, Father Julian Harris, pastor emeritus, the other priests, family members in Honduras and Panama, and friends for attending the celebration and supporting him through the years.
“Many of you who here today I have been blessed to be part of your life, in moments of grace and also moments of grief,” Father Vargas said. “I’ve walked with your families in baptisms, weddings, home visits, hospital prayers, funerals and the simple conversations at Mass. I’ve laughed with you, wept with you, prayed with you. These are not just memories. They are part of who I am as a priest. You have helped me just as much as I have served you. For that I am very grateful to the entire community of St. Thomas More.”
All in attendance were invited to a reception afterward in the parish center.
For more information about St. Thomas More Parish, visit www.stmbb.org.
