A week or so ago, I and about 40 of my brother "Sir Knights" of our Fr. Victor A. Bieberle Assembly of the Knights of Columbus watched the "homemade" documentary and tribute to Fr. Vic that was made a number of years ago after his death.  I was privileged to be a part of the video as I spoke about our common love for the Knights of Columbus and the blessings of both of us responding to the call to be local "Faithful Friar" for our assembly and the state chaplain for Arkansas.  I was also honored to be the main Celebrant and homilist for the Mass that we offered for and with Fr. Vic on the occasion of his 60th anniversary as an ordained priest of God, who served his Lord and his country (as a military chaplain in Vietnam) both in his home Diocese of Wichita, Kansas and here in Arkansas when needed in his 15 "retirement" years in Hot Springs Village.  

While Fr. Vic's life and certainly his priesthood was unique, special and very distinguished, he is one of many priests who labored long and hard for the salvation of souls who need to be supported in their retirement years.  I ask that you show your love and appreciation for the retired and/or infirmed priests of our diocese by generously giving to the Arkansas Clergy Welfare Fun especially in the only collection that will be taken up at the Christmas Masses in the state of Arkansas.  One of our retired priests, Fr. Tom Kellar not only served in parishes throughout Arkansas for over 50 years, but also served his country in the Arkansas Army National Guard and was deployed for a least a few months during "Desert Storm."

Our current (17 retired priests), and those in the future need and deserve our help whether they are in a nursing home, assisted living place or independent living at the retirement home in Little Rock or wherever they choose to live in retirement.  Among the people you gift at Christmas, please include in some way our retired and/or infirmed priests.  On their behalf I say "Thank You" for past, present and future help!