The faithful community of St. Thomas More Catholic Church is welcoming a new leader at the start of the holiday season.
Father Antony Asir has been appointed as the new pastor to St. Thomas More, following the death of the beloved Rev. Monsignor Francis Midura in July, according to the church's website.
"We are grateful to have such a wonderful shepherd to lead our community! Our prayers and support are with you," reads a statement from the church.
Asit will be the fifth pastor in the history of the Hauppauge congregation, following a more than four-month search.
He will take over leadership from Midura, who died suddenly in July after leading St. Thomas More's faithful for more than nine years. In addition to leading St. Thomas More, Midura served as the chaplain of Hauppauge Fire Department.
