On October 2, 2019, 130 parishioners and friends of Father Bill Elser gathered to celebrate his 60th Birthday. It was held in the lower hall of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.  Fr. Bill has been a Priest for over 33 years and Sacred heart's Priest for the past 10 years.

God bless the Parish and all those who helped in making this such a wonderful party especially Parish Live, Cindy Lefler and Cathy Silk for coordinating the festivities.  They involved the whole Parish from the Spiritual Bouquet, the reading of the famed Priestly Hands prayer and organizing the Parishioners to bring potluck side dishes and desserts. Johnna Westerman catered the roasted turkey breast and honey baked ham.


To celebrate his Birthday, a beautiful Birthday Cake was displayed for all to see (and to taste).

The Sacred Heart's Choir sang Maureen Morgan's rendition of the 1959 top song Bobby Darin's, "Mack the Knife" with the new title "Father Bill."  Lynne Border played it and all sang it just like Bobby Darin's version including the 'shout out' at the end of the song, "Look out for that birthday guy!"

Bonnie Lennen & Betty Mierzwiak donated an Energizer Bunny to resemble some characteristics of the cherished Birthday Priest.  The Energizer Bunny would have a hard time keeping up with Fr. Bill!!



Fr. Bill was also presented with a framed print of the prayer, "Beautiful Hands of a Priest".


There were many gifts for Father from the Parishioners, family and friends including a Spiritual Bouquet from the Congregation along with a rosary of his favorite Saint Padre Pio.



Sacred Heart has been blessed to continue to have Fr. Bill as its Priest.