By Paula Day

St. Jude the Apostle parish said good-bye recently to the priest who had become "the glue that held us together," according to one parishioner.

Father David Talley left June 29 for four years' study in canon law at Rome's Gregorian University after spending his first years as a priest ministering to the parishioners in the Sandy Springs area.

During his four years there as parochial vicar, the parish experienced difficult times. Surrounded by scandal, one pastor left. Another went off to war. Each time the task of pastoring fell on Father Talley's shoulders.

"He nourished us as a family at a time when we were devastated," explained Marie Potter, president of the Women's Guild.

"His car was always there, even on his days off," recalled Roseanne Bowen, director of religious education for the parish. "It was unspoken, but you know he was there for us. He's the glue that's held us together for four years."

A farewell party at the parish on June 12 was evidence of the bond between the parishioners and their parochial vicar. A pot luck-style meal, it had to be moved to the gymnasium to accommodate nearly 400 people who came to say good-bye.

"Every person there came to show their love," Mrs. Bowen observed. The priest for his part said, it was "such a joy, such an honor to be so loved. We've experienced a lot together and a tight bond exists between us."

Parishioner Steve Holman was master of ceremonies for the evening. The sports director for WGST presented Father Talley with a baseball autographed by the Atlanta Braves. Altar boys in cassocks, surplices and baseball caps sang "Take Me Out To The Ballgame."

Entertainment included a skit and videos put together by groups in the parish and an album with photos culled from parish happenings during Father Talley's years at St. Jude. "He learned how to be a priest with us," Mrs. Bowen recalls.

Father Talley would seem to concur. "I know I'm loved," he said. "It was a bittersweet moment, a tender moment. That parish has been through so much. There's so much good there."

When Father Michael Woods left, the parishioners turned to Father Talley. "He kept our faith alive, from the smallest kids to the oldest people. He loved Father Woods and was dealing with his own pain, but he put that aside and helped our parish," concluded Mrs. Bowen. "He single-handedly restored our faith in the priesthood." Later when Father Dan O'Connor was called to active duty as a chaplain in the Persian Gulf War, Father Talley again took over pastoring the parish.

"I don't want to give up parish work," he said. Commenting on the possibility that with a doctorate in canon law he will be assigned to the tribunal of the archdiocese when he completes his studies, he said, "I hope I can remember that the laws of the Church and all the chancery mechanisms are meant to serve the people of God in their discipleship."

Speaking of his parochial vicar, current pastor Father O'Connor said, "He was all that a pastor could want in an assistant. He was loyal, dedicated to the people and a holy priest."