Seminarian bids goodbye to Saint Joseph Church

| 29 Sep 2011 | 09:18

    WEST MILFORD — For seven weeks of this summer Seminarian Raymond Orama resided at Saint Joseph Church rectory, learning his way around West Milford, getting to know the staff and parishioners and working along side his mentor for this assignment, Rev. Sigmund Peplowski, pastor of Saint Joseph’s. “When the vocations office called to inform me that a seminarian would be assigned to our parish for the summer I was delighted. I was not disappointed in Seminarian Raymond Orama. He was at my side assisting in every aspect of pastoral life” remarked Fr. Peplowski. Orama is currently a student at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in South Orange. A native of Dover, New Jersey, he is of Puerto Rican heritage and the oldest of five boys. His mother and three of his siblings live in Puerto Rico and one brother lives in Florida. He is the uncle of seven girls, including a set of triplets. Prior to entering the seminary Orama was employed by Levelor Lorentzen and by Calvin Klein. “I had a very lucrative career and a very comfortable life when the Lord decided to call me to serve Him and His people. There are no regrets about leaving everything behind; it is worthwhile” he said. Orama is a 2004 graduate of Seton Hall University with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, religious studies and Catholic studies with minors in sociology and psychology. “I love what I do and do not see myself doing anything else. I just want to do what is needed and I will go wherever the bishop and God wants me to go” said Orama. He is scheduled for ordination to the priesthood in May of 2008. After a farewell luncheon hosted last week by Fr. Peplowski and the parish staff, Orama said “My time at Saint Joseph’s went by so fast. Fr. Sig has been great to me. He is a good human being, a good priest and a great mentor.” Returning the compliments, Fr. Peplowski spoke of how Orama would see something that needed doing and jump right to it. Peplowski said “He doesn’t know how to take it easy. He is going to be a good priest!”