TROUBLED ST. JOE'S GETS NEW PASTOR FROM SPRINGFIELD

Rev. Worth. Photo: PATCH

PATCH reports Rev. Jim Worth of Springfield's St. James Church will take the helm in the new year, replacing Rev. Eustace Edomobi.

From PATCH:



 Worth, who will join his new parish on Feb. 1, has been serving at St. James the Apostle Church for more than 12 years.  The priest, known for his love of music, said he has " learned so many valuable skills from my pastors and parishioners and the people of Springfield."

"I will miss them dearly, but I look forward to the new challenges that are before me," Worth said. "This is an exciting time in my priesthood and I hope and pray that I will be a good servant leader of the people of Maplewood."

Worth said his inspiration comes from Pope Francis, whom he said "has taken the world by his love and compassion.

Since he replaced former pastor, Rev. Michael Saporito, many in the parish have been frustrated with Rev. Edomobi's lack of communication and oversight, with some pleading with the Archdiocese of Newark to intervene.

A major incident that added to concerns was the March 2012 assault on a church employee, and later word that the parish had fired her for not being able to return to work after her horrible tragedy.