Hundreds of parishioners and well-wishers joined Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Auxiliary Bishop Edmund J. Whalen, and Monsignor Joseph LaMorte for the installation of Father Stephen Ries as the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale. 

Father Ries joined the parish in September after six years as Cardinal Dolan’s secretary. He replaces Monsignor Luke M. Sweeney, who is now the vice rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary. 

In his homily, the cardinal said, “Father Stephen has been officially welcomed as the newest pastor. This is a simple but, I hope you will agree, meaningful ritual, made even more passionate by the company of Father Stephen’s mom and dad.” 

“This is about the church – not the church of brick and mortar, as beautiful as this one happens to be, but the church made of living stones – living stones like you,” the Cardinal told the congregation. 

“It is this Church with the capital ‘C’ that, from this evening, takes its shepherd in the name of our nation. And now he invites you to ratify, to rejoice in his spiritual marriage,” Cardinal Dolan said. 

Monsignor Sweeney and Father Fredy Patino were among the concelebrants of the Mass. Chancellor of the Archdiocese John Cahill attended the Mass and participated in the installation ceremony. Eileen Mulcahy, vice chancellor for parish planning, and Susan George, chief advancement and stewardship officer for the archdiocese, attended the Mass. 

“We are blessed with just wonderful parishioners,” Father Ries said in his remarks, acknowledging those who had contributed to various parish projects. 

“I want to express a word of thanks to all of you this evening. First and foremost, Your Eminence, I’m so grateful that you could install me as pastor,” Father Ries said, thanking Cardinal Dolan and recognizing Monsignor Sweeney as “such a supportive pastor and pillar of this parish.” 

Speaking after the Mass, Father Ries reflected on his new role: “It’s a culmination of the hopes and dreams of ordination, but 10 years later realized. I feel very honored to be trusted with such wonderful people.” 

Visitor Jeannine Rippa said she attended the installation because “it’s very exciting when you have a new pastor, especially a young one.”