Everyone visiting
Christ the King Church
must follow the current
Pandemic Protocols
Current Protocols

SUNDAY MASS
Saturday 5:00pm
Sunday 9:00am & 11:30am

WEEKDAY MASS
9:00am

Cardinal Dolan's dispensation for the Sunday obligation is still in effect
for those who are high-risk or uncomfortable coming to Church because of the pandemic.
You can instead watch Mass
online or on TV:
Links & Channels

January 20, 2021

Dear Parishioners,

It pains me deeply to write this letter to you.  I have been extremely happy at Christ the King for the last seven and a half years, but regretfully, my current circumstances require a change. 

As many of you know, on June 9^th I had a terrible fall down the rectory stairs. My head hit the floor, leaving me unconscious.  Thank God Fr. Sebastian was in the kitchen and heard the commotion.  He called 911 and I was taken to Westchester Medical Center.  Luckily, I do not remember anything about the fall.  When I woke up in the Trauma ICU, the doctor told me I had fallen down a flight of stairs and in addition to the brain injury I had broken two ribs and my right wrist and fractured my elbow.

After 10 days in Westchester Medical Center, then 17 days in Helen Hayes Recuperation Hospital in Rockland County, I came to the Vianney Clergy Residence in Riverdale, the Bronx, where I also recuperated in 2016.  I thank God for the wonderful care I have been receiving here since July 7^th. 

Despite the excellent care and all the physical therapy I am receiving, I am still suffering from some effects of the fall and other health issues.  Thankfully, my ribs have healed, but I have limited use of my right hand and writing is difficult and painful. Next week will mark one year since I received prostate cancer radiation. In addition, it is 4½ years of living with the limitations caused by my major health crisis of June 2016. Now my doctors are concerned about new issues which need to be attended to. Last October, I also had an unrelated issue that required a surgical procedure which may require more attention. 

Given the scope of the physical challenges I am facing, my doctors have strongly recommended that I retire.  My family agrees with their recommendation and Cardinal Dolan and Auxiliary Bishop Whalen, the director of Priest Personnel, have also concurred.  They have offered me early retirement for medical reasons.  I reluctantly agree that this is the wisest choice.  My physical stamina, and ever-increasing time at doctors’ appointments, would interfere with carrying out my responsibilities at the parish.  It would not be fair to anyone if I were to remain.  Believe me when I tell you, this is one of the most difficult decisions I ever had to make. Last November I completed 43 years of active priestly ministry and I turned 70 this month.  I am grateful to God for these blessed years and will continue to serve Him as a retired priest.

Please know how grateful I am for your support, kindness, generosity, and love during my time here.  I already miss celebrating the Mass with and for you and greeting you every Sunday outside of church.  That has always been the highlight of my week!  We have come to know and appreciate one another, and have shared many a story, laugh, smile, and even occasional tears.  CTK has been my home, and you, my extended family. You will always have a special place in my heart.

I am indebted to and sincerely thank Father Sebastian for the extraordinary job he is doing in taking care of our parish in my absence.  He is an exceedingly kind and compassionate priest, as you well know.  I also thank Doreen Ball, for her dedication to our parish as well as for the additional duties she is carrying out during my absence during this sad, unprecedented, and demanding time.  I commend Scott Fenton, for his tireless and exceptional work in keeping our buildings and property in such excellent condition.  He has been my right hand and trusted friend for eleven and a half years.

Dear friends, I ask that you welcome and support my successor as you warmly welcomed me.  As far as I know, his appointment will be effective February 1^st.  It makes all the difference in the world for an incoming pastor to feel welcomed and accepted by the people he is commissioned to serve.

I have moved from my temporary rooms on the nursing floor of the Cardinal Eagan Pavilion to my permanent rooms at the Cardinal O’Connor Residence.  Mail may be addressed to: 
                      Rev. Robert J. Staar
                      5655 Arlington Avenue
                      O’Connor Pavilion - Suite 102
                      Bronx, NY  10471
or email Fr.Staar@gmail.com. 

I ask for your continued prayers and promise you a remembrance in my Masses and prayers.  
God bless you.

Sincerely in Christ,
Father Staar
 

Audio Message

Christmas 2020

Dear Parishioners,
 

During this most wonderful time of the year, we are reminded of just how blessed we are.  First and foremost, we are loved by our good and gracious God who made us for Himself.  We are His beloved children with whom He shares His very life and love.  He gave us his own Beloved Son as Savior and brother, who redeemed us by the mystery of his birth, life, and death, and won for us the gift of life eternal, and gave us the great gift of His Body and Blood in the Eucharist.  And they sent us the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies, guides, teaches and protects us.  This gracious God gave us our parents, families, and friends, as gifts to one another, to love, help, and cherish, through our pilgrimage of life.  And He gives us, as fellow parishioners of our beloved Christ the King faith community, the opportunity to know and love and serve each other as we travel on our individual journeys to our eternal home with Him in heaven.

During this exceedingly difficult time of pandemic, isolation, illness and death of dear ones, we must hold fast and not lose hope.  I urge you to please make every effort to cling to your faith, better days are around the corner.  Yes, all of us are hurting this Christmas as never before, while we avoid gathering with our families and loved ones for the sake of a greater good.  Some among us will be left all alone on Christmas, perhaps for the first time.  So, may I recommend something quite simple this year?  Pick up the phone on Christmas Day and reach out to a lonely family member, neighbor, fellow parishioner.  That just might be the best Christmas gift that they receive and perhaps the best gift that you give this year!

I regret that I do not have the stamina to celebrate Christmas Mass with you.  Please know how much I miss and love you and that you will have a special remembrance in my Christmas Mass.  I pray that you and your families stay well and that the New Year will bring you peace, health, and happiness.

                                                                                                            Sincerely in Christ,

                                                                                                               Father Staar

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