I will admit that when I choose a subject for my pastor's column, I usually don't have any preconceived idea of how long it will be. I can tell you that the one (Marian now) who puts the bulletin together has to be ready normally for long or longer, not short or shorter, which some would say sounds like my homilies.
This week, I could predict before I really get started that this column will be long or longer than usual because of the subject matter which is Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer who was chosen as our "V.I.P. (Very Important Parishioner)" for the months of January and February. Since he was a deacon serving this parish for years before I got here, I can't go into detail as to ALL that he did in the days of the pastorate of Msgr. Bernard Malone (of happy memory), because it would take too much space that even Marian may not have room to put it all. I mean that Deacon Larry (in the early years of his diaconate took on MUCH ministry in this parish besides being a regular presence on the altar to assist and sometimes to preach. As Msgr. Malone got older, he leaned more and more on Deacon Larry and to some extent Deacon Wally and Bernie and he was always ready and willing to serve Msgr. Malone and the wonderful parishioners here at Sacred Heart.
After I arrived over 10 years ago, he continued to make himself available on the altar and in other ministries like Adult Religious Education, funeral planning and preparation, and visiting and taking Communion to the sick and shut-ins. His background in finance has benefitted and continues to benefit the Finance Council and our parish bookkeeper. Though officially "Retired" in his ministry as a deacon, he has continued to help in our religious education ministry and helps in other ways (including in the Sacred Heart Columbarium committee). Deacon Larry's easy-going personality and helpful demeanor continues to bless this parish and me in many ways and the fact is that he is the last man standing and working in this parish as the others have retired and/or moved.
I can't finish this column without giving a LOUD shout-out and thanks to God for Larry's dear wife (of over 50 years), Jan. The support she has given Larry over the years in their marriage and in his ministry is VERY MUCH appreciated and must be recognized. Just the reality of the sacrifice of Deacon Larry's time away from her in doing ministry is something to be appreciated and recognized as well as the other support (including the spiritual) that she gives him. Speaking of spiritual, Deacon Larry still leads a prayer group on Sunday and faithfully leads the rosary at our monthly Knights of Columbus meeting.
I told you this was going to be long, and it could be longer, but let me finish by saying THANK YOU GOD for Deacon Larry and urge you to thank him as well as he deservedly is recognized as our V.I.P. for January and February, 2021!
This week, I could predict before I really get started that this column will be long or longer than usual because of the subject matter which is Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer who was chosen as our "V.I.P. (Very Important Parishioner)" for the months of January and February. Since he was a deacon serving this parish for years before I got here, I can't go into detail as to ALL that he did in the days of the pastorate of Msgr. Bernard Malone (of happy memory), because it would take too much space that even Marian may not have room to put it all. I mean that Deacon Larry (in the early years of his diaconate took on MUCH ministry in this parish besides being a regular presence on the altar to assist and sometimes to preach. As Msgr. Malone got older, he leaned more and more on Deacon Larry and to some extent Deacon Wally and Bernie and he was always ready and willing to serve Msgr. Malone and the wonderful parishioners here at Sacred Heart.
After I arrived over 10 years ago, he continued to make himself available on the altar and in other ministries like Adult Religious Education, funeral planning and preparation, and visiting and taking Communion to the sick and shut-ins. His background in finance has benefitted and continues to benefit the Finance Council and our parish bookkeeper. Though officially "Retired" in his ministry as a deacon, he has continued to help in our religious education ministry and helps in other ways (including in the Sacred Heart Columbarium committee). Deacon Larry's easy-going personality and helpful demeanor continues to bless this parish and me in many ways and the fact is that he is the last man standing and working in this parish as the others have retired and/or moved.
I can't finish this column without giving a LOUD shout-out and thanks to God for Larry's dear wife (of over 50 years), Jan. The support she has given Larry over the years in their marriage and in his ministry is VERY MUCH appreciated and must be recognized. Just the reality of the sacrifice of Deacon Larry's time away from her in doing ministry is something to be appreciated and recognized as well as the other support (including the spiritual) that she gives him. Speaking of spiritual, Deacon Larry still leads a prayer group on Sunday and faithfully leads the rosary at our monthly Knights of Columbus meeting.
I told you this was going to be long, and it could be longer, but let me finish by saying THANK YOU GOD for Deacon Larry and urge you to thank him as well as he deservedly is recognized as our V.I.P. for January and February, 2021!