Father Robert Keffer, pastor of the Catholic community at Riderwood retirement community ever since it opened more than a decade ago, will be honored Saturday, June 23, by hundreds of his parishioners at a retirement ceremony held for him at the Silver Spring, MD, campus.

Father Keffer, who will also retire this summer as pastor of Resurrection Catholic parish in Burtonsville, MD, held Mass in nearly all buildings at the 120-acre Riderwood campus, including in the café (with ice-maker sound effects).

He also held Mass in Riderwood music rooms and in the Performance Hall. He presided over the first worship service  in the Riderwood Chapel on Palm Sunday 2004.

Father Keffer is admired and respected by residents and staff, who appreciate his ready smile and calming presence.

His commitment to Riderwood and its Renaissance Gardens extended care neighborhood has been a model for ministry in a corporate world.  He has laid a foundation to which others can look and learn.