Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
May 22, 2002
When 17-year-old John Ossino left Omaha in 1949 to begin studies at Conception Seminary in Missouri, he knew that he wanted to serve people. Now, after 45 years of service in the priesthood, 27 of which have been spent in the Archdiocese of Denver, Father Angelo Ossino is retiring.
Father Ossino currently serves as pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Aurora, where he has been since 1988.
The parish will host a retirement party for Father Ossino on June 2, starting with Mass at noon and continuing with an outdoor meal and entertainment.
John Ossino entered the Benedictine novitiate, took the name Angelo and professed vows in 1953. He was ordained in 1957. He began serving the Archdiocese of Denver in 1975 and was incardinated into the diocese in 1980.
As a Benedictine he taught high school, got a master's degree in library science and a master's in religious education.
"I loved the Benedictines but I wanted to work more directly with people. I've always been a people person," Father Ossino said. "I chose Denver to work in because of friends here, but most especially because I wanted to be close to my mother in Omaha in the event that she might need me."
He has fond memories of his family and of growing up in Omaha. The son of Sam and Veta Ossino, he was one of three children, having a brother, Fred, and a sister, Rosemary LeMay.
Although his brother has died, he keeps in close touch with his sister, his nephews and their six children and one grandchild.
Father Ossino is proud of his Italian heritage. He has spent several years studying Italian and has used it when visiting family in Italy. A lover of good Italian food, he speaks with amazement of his female relatives who spend hours each day cooking marvelous meals in outdoor ovens.
A visitor to the rectory at St. Pius might hear opera arias or Italian ballads coming from the pastor's office, or might even hear his rich tenor accompanying the music. Besides music, he also appreciates good art. But those who know him know that his deepest love is for the liturgy.
"The Eucharist is the center of parish life," he said. "Our celebrations must be prayerful, welcoming, with good music and a beautiful environment." Father Ossino utilized his deep interest and love of liturgy in the remodeling of St. Pius X Church, installing a modern baptismal font and stained-glass windows, renovating the sanctuary and improving the body of the church.
Ever a builder with a flair for style, he supervised the construction of the Family Life Center at St. Pius, and had previously initiated and overseen the construction of a new church and rectory at St. Joseph's Parish, Golden.
His good taste, for which he is known, is evident in the building and renovating he has done. Wherever an especially beautiful decorating touch is apparent at St. Pius, one knows that the pastor has been there.
Father Ossino speaks warmly of the parishes he has served in the archdiocese. He remembers the strong faith of the German-Russian farmers and ranchers in St. Anthony's Parish in Sterling; the very special people of St. Jude's Parish in Lakewood, who gathered in small faith communities and had such a love for liturgy and social concerns; and the generous people of St. Joseph's Parish in Golden, who so willingly met the challenge of building a beautiful new church, and were so open and welcoming.
Of St. Pius X, Father Ossino has always felt that the community shares his love for the liturgy.
"There is such a loving community here, so willing to participate in the life of the parish and so centered in drawing life from the Eucharistic celebration," he said.
His current parishioners are well aware of the mark their pastor has left on the parish. Besides the new building and renovations of church and school, he has
put in place a staff that ministers in the areas of music and liturgy, education of adults, youth, children and families, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, formation in all sacraments and social justice.
The faculty of St. Pius Aurora pastor to retire after 45 years of priestly service
St. Pius X's Father Angelo Ossino to celebrate retirement June 2
X School can attest to Father Ossino's dedication to them and to the school itself. He
is a familiar figure in the school halls, enjoys visiting with the children, and has even been known to outdo them in his Halloween costume.
His smiling face can be seen on Sundays after Mass mingling with people at coffee and doughnuts, greeting parishioners and chatting with them.
Ever mindful of important events in people's lives, Father Ossino has begun the practice of recognizing and blessing people at Mass on their birthdays and anniversaries. He celebrates the anointing of the sick monthly after Mass, and children delight in the candy he passes out after Mass on special occasions.
The friendly and energetic priest knows that retirement will not be the end of his chance to serve people. He said he looks forward to meeting new opportunities as they arise.
St. Pius X Parish is at 13670 E. 13th Place, Aurora.
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