Sometimes it takes awhile for me to decide the subject matter for my weekly pastor's column. And, sometimes, it comes to me rather quickly. This week it was clear to me right away that I needed to devote this space to reflections on Deacon Bernie Bauer and Marilyn, his wife and faithful, loving companion for 70 years.
Firstly, I am thankful for the ministry Deacon Bernie offered so lovingly and faithfully to this parish for most of the 27.5 years that he and Marilyn lived in the Village as parishioners at Sacred Heart Church. Even as he stepped away from normal deacon ministry a few years ago, he remained a daily Mass attendee who was first to be asked to serve as a minister of the Sacred Blood at Mass. He almost always stayed after Mass to purify the sacred vessel and set the altar books for Mass the next day. In doing this, he will truly be missed. He continued to take Holy Communion to a few of our shut-ins and remained active in our Village Interfaith Council as one of our parish representatives. He participated in ecumenical events sponsored by this Council, and was a great ambassador for this parish and for Catholicism in general. Marilyn, his dear wife, though restricted due to health issues, has always been his best support (after, of course, The Lord) in all that Deacon Bernie did. They were both involved in an ongoing prayer group of parishioners who faithfully met on Sundays. In a few short words, they will be "SORELY MISSED" by so many of us for so many reasons.
While I and others, and in agreement with the Bauers, recognize that their move to Illinois to live with one of their daughters, is what's best for them at this time in their lives, it is truly hard to say goodbye to them, or really (because we are believers in the Communion of Saints), we thankfully say "Until we meet again."
I am so glad that this parish has the pictures of both priests and deacons of this parish, present and past, on the wall of the narthex. It assures that current and future parishioners will know who ministered the Good News of Jesus to others, and I dare say, it will be hard (even perhaps, impossible) for anyone to surpass the longevity of their service to this wonderful parish and community.
God bless you, Deacon Bernie and Marilyn, and know that you will alway be in our thoughts and prayers no matter where you are, and I'm confident that we will be in yours. Keep smiling, and Deacon Bernie, keep that wonderful, spontaneous laugh that you have. It says to me how happy you always are to be one of God's children and an uplifting spirit to many, including, of course, me!
Firstly, I am thankful for the ministry Deacon Bernie offered so lovingly and faithfully to this parish for most of the 27.5 years that he and Marilyn lived in the Village as parishioners at Sacred Heart Church. Even as he stepped away from normal deacon ministry a few years ago, he remained a daily Mass attendee who was first to be asked to serve as a minister of the Sacred Blood at Mass. He almost always stayed after Mass to purify the sacred vessel and set the altar books for Mass the next day. In doing this, he will truly be missed. He continued to take Holy Communion to a few of our shut-ins and remained active in our Village Interfaith Council as one of our parish representatives. He participated in ecumenical events sponsored by this Council, and was a great ambassador for this parish and for Catholicism in general. Marilyn, his dear wife, though restricted due to health issues, has always been his best support (after, of course, The Lord) in all that Deacon Bernie did. They were both involved in an ongoing prayer group of parishioners who faithfully met on Sundays. In a few short words, they will be "SORELY MISSED" by so many of us for so many reasons.
While I and others, and in agreement with the Bauers, recognize that their move to Illinois to live with one of their daughters, is what's best for them at this time in their lives, it is truly hard to say goodbye to them, or really (because we are believers in the Communion of Saints), we thankfully say "Until we meet again."
I am so glad that this parish has the pictures of both priests and deacons of this parish, present and past, on the wall of the narthex. It assures that current and future parishioners will know who ministered the Good News of Jesus to others, and I dare say, it will be hard (even perhaps, impossible) for anyone to surpass the longevity of their service to this wonderful parish and community.
God bless you, Deacon Bernie and Marilyn, and know that you will alway be in our thoughts and prayers no matter where you are, and I'm confident that we will be in yours. Keep smiling, and Deacon Bernie, keep that wonderful, spontaneous laugh that you have. It says to me how happy you always are to be one of God's children and an uplifting spirit to many, including, of course, me!
Last week I concelebrated Mass twice at Christ the King Church in Little Rock for the diaconate ordination of three men, including my nephew Stephen, and priesthood ordination of five men for the Diocese of Little Rock. It was truly a blessing to be in such a beautiful church and participate in some meaningful and significant liturgies for these men, their families, and all the Catholics of Arkansas.
While in Christ the King Church, I prayed a Holy Hour in their chapel where they have Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration going on 24/7 (and have had for at least 5-10 years). On more than one occasion I have heard their pastor, Monsignor Francis Malone, humbly say that the main contributing factor is the reality that this parish has produced seven seminarians, of which at least two or three have already been ordained a priest, is the fact that the parish has Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I would strongly agree with such a statement. I believe the reality of this devotion and practice going on in more than a few parishes in Arkansas, including, of course, our own, has contributed greatly to God blessing us with so many seminarians, many of whom have become, or will become, priests. The fact that one of our own, Jonathan Semmler, has become a seminarian for the Diocese of Little Rock, is a credit to his own growing faith, that of his parents, that of our faith family here at Sacred Heart, AND, I believe, in the reality that so many of our parishioners have been, and are, participating in Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration and are committed to giving at least an hour every week to be in the Lord's presence and grow in His grace and love. I urge all those who do this (and, as always, I URGE more parishioners to join us. Call Mike Kerwin at 922-1531), to pray for Jonathan and all our seminarians every time you are in the chapel for prayer. Our ongoing efforts in prayer for Jonathan before Jesus in the Monstrance may lead (if it is God's will) to Sacred Heart having its first native-born parishioner be ordained a priest of God in about seven years. Jesus urged His followers to "pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His vineyard." (Matthew 9:38). Prayers for this and other intentions happening 24/7 are producing wonderful, and in some cases, miraculous results. Thank God for all who are in this ministry and devotion!
While in Christ the King Church, I prayed a Holy Hour in their chapel where they have Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration going on 24/7 (and have had for at least 5-10 years). On more than one occasion I have heard their pastor, Monsignor Francis Malone, humbly say that the main contributing factor is the reality that this parish has produced seven seminarians, of which at least two or three have already been ordained a priest, is the fact that the parish has Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I would strongly agree with such a statement. I believe the reality of this devotion and practice going on in more than a few parishes in Arkansas, including, of course, our own, has contributed greatly to God blessing us with so many seminarians, many of whom have become, or will become, priests. The fact that one of our own, Jonathan Semmler, has become a seminarian for the Diocese of Little Rock, is a credit to his own growing faith, that of his parents, that of our faith family here at Sacred Heart, AND, I believe, in the reality that so many of our parishioners have been, and are, participating in Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration and are committed to giving at least an hour every week to be in the Lord's presence and grow in His grace and love. I urge all those who do this (and, as always, I URGE more parishioners to join us. Call Mike Kerwin at 922-1531), to pray for Jonathan and all our seminarians every time you are in the chapel for prayer. Our ongoing efforts in prayer for Jonathan before Jesus in the Monstrance may lead (if it is God's will) to Sacred Heart having its first native-born parishioner be ordained a priest of God in about seven years. Jesus urged His followers to "pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His vineyard." (Matthew 9:38). Prayers for this and other intentions happening 24/7 are producing wonderful, and in some cases, miraculous results. Thank God for all who are in this ministry and devotion!
In about a week, we will conclude our "Little White Books" for the Easter season. They have been a great way to connect with the Lord through scripture and reflection and learn some things about the Church of Bible that you didn't know.
I am pleased that over 100 parishioners or families have recognized how good it is to stay connected to the Lord daily (and throughout the entire year) and have done so by being part of our bulk subscription to "Give Us This Day." For only $20 a year (a savings of 50% since we get it in bulk), you can get each month's edition and know you are getting a different, short morning and evening prayer for each day, the scripture readings that are proclaimed at Mass each day, and wonderful reflections from a variety of different people from clergy to laity, to saints of the past. There are also short two-page reflections at the start of each week which are informative and inspirational. The week's two-page reflection was penned by the former Abbot of Subiaco (here in Arkansas), Father Jerome Kodell, a noted scripture scholar who last visited us before our parish day of recollection.
If you are interested in joining in the bulk subscription which begins a new year's worth with the July issue, either stop by the Office and leave your money and name with Linda, or pay your $20 (check to Sacred Heart Church or cash) or sign-up and pay your money in the narthex over the next few weeks.
Even if you don't do all that's available in this monthly booklet, you will certainly benefit from what you do read and from the prayers that are found (some in the front that are unique each month) in this wonderful spiritual aid. I would love to see our number of subscribers rise, and rise significantly in this new cycle. Please consider being one of them or continuing if you have already been a subscriber.
I am pleased that over 100 parishioners or families have recognized how good it is to stay connected to the Lord daily (and throughout the entire year) and have done so by being part of our bulk subscription to "Give Us This Day." For only $20 a year (a savings of 50% since we get it in bulk), you can get each month's edition and know you are getting a different, short morning and evening prayer for each day, the scripture readings that are proclaimed at Mass each day, and wonderful reflections from a variety of different people from clergy to laity, to saints of the past. There are also short two-page reflections at the start of each week which are informative and inspirational. The week's two-page reflection was penned by the former Abbot of Subiaco (here in Arkansas), Father Jerome Kodell, a noted scripture scholar who last visited us before our parish day of recollection.
If you are interested in joining in the bulk subscription which begins a new year's worth with the July issue, either stop by the Office and leave your money and name with Linda, or pay your $20 (check to Sacred Heart Church or cash) or sign-up and pay your money in the narthex over the next few weeks.
Even if you don't do all that's available in this monthly booklet, you will certainly benefit from what you do read and from the prayers that are found (some in the front that are unique each month) in this wonderful spiritual aid. I would love to see our number of subscribers rise, and rise significantly in this new cycle. Please consider being one of them or continuing if you have already been a subscriber.