As we begin a new calendar year, with many uncertainties when it comes to the things of "this world" and thankfully the assured blessings that the Lord promises to those who love Him, I pray we all are committed to growing in the Lord.
This starts with seeking a deeper union of love, mercy, and peace with Him through prayer (publicly and privately) and through the reading of His Word and pondering of that Word. When this is done, I believe there will always be a growing in the desire to follow the example of Christ in all ways, but especially in service to His Church, our neighbors and people unknown to us and in need.
This month, our parish V.I.P.'s, Bill and Diane Patterson are wonderful examples to us of those who have answered the call and example of Jesus in various avenues of service, especially in this wonderful parish. As active people in our liturgies (Bill as an altar server and altar server coordinator and Diane as guitarist and director of the Saturday night choir for a LONG time). Bill and Diane seem to be present in church more than most parishioners not only for weekend Masses but for Masses of Resurrection for our deceased parishioners, and on Holy Days and special Masses (like our Marriage Anniversary Masses). Speaking of marriage, Bill and Diane are wonderful examples of a long-lasting marriage (63 years) that has born bountiful fruit not only in their childrern, grandchildren, (and great grandchildren) but also in their brothers and sisters in the Lord that they have encountered here at Sacred Heart Church and in other parishes they belonged to before coming to us.
They are often seen in parish social gatherings and have served our parish community for a long time as members of our "welcoming Committee" in the role of meeting one on one (or usually two on two or with singe newcomers) to speak about the ministries and activities of the parish and share their experiences of both service and joyful participation in some of what our church has to offer. Bill has been a very acticve member of our Knights of Columbus (Council 10208 and the Victor A. Bieberle Assembly) and served in leadership roles, including Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. He has been very involved in our Sacred Heart Men's Club as past president, and as Secretary and in the fundraising endeavors of the Men's Club AND Knights of Clumbus. He has served as the commander of our Fourth Degree Honor Guard and has been an honor guard for a long time, serving at various parish and diocesan events in that role. Bill is a charter member of our Cemetery committee and in most recent times has taken over from Buddy Dixon as chair of that committee. I can truly and thankfully say that both Bill and Diane have "stepped up to the plate" and are a blessing to many in the use of the stewardship of faith that God has given them.
Both of their demeanors are calm, assured, and welcoming to all and are appreciated whenever and wherever they present themselves! I'm very glad that they were selected as V.I.P.'s for the first month of this new year. What a great way to start this year's recognition of V.I.P.'s If you shomehow don't know them, I hope you will look them up in the parish directory and look for opportunities to meet, get to know them and hopefully offer to serve with them in one or even a few ways. God bless both Bill and Diane.
This starts with seeking a deeper union of love, mercy, and peace with Him through prayer (publicly and privately) and through the reading of His Word and pondering of that Word. When this is done, I believe there will always be a growing in the desire to follow the example of Christ in all ways, but especially in service to His Church, our neighbors and people unknown to us and in need.
This month, our parish V.I.P.'s, Bill and Diane Patterson are wonderful examples to us of those who have answered the call and example of Jesus in various avenues of service, especially in this wonderful parish. As active people in our liturgies (Bill as an altar server and altar server coordinator and Diane as guitarist and director of the Saturday night choir for a LONG time). Bill and Diane seem to be present in church more than most parishioners not only for weekend Masses but for Masses of Resurrection for our deceased parishioners, and on Holy Days and special Masses (like our Marriage Anniversary Masses). Speaking of marriage, Bill and Diane are wonderful examples of a long-lasting marriage (63 years) that has born bountiful fruit not only in their childrern, grandchildren, (and great grandchildren) but also in their brothers and sisters in the Lord that they have encountered here at Sacred Heart Church and in other parishes they belonged to before coming to us.
They are often seen in parish social gatherings and have served our parish community for a long time as members of our "welcoming Committee" in the role of meeting one on one (or usually two on two or with singe newcomers) to speak about the ministries and activities of the parish and share their experiences of both service and joyful participation in some of what our church has to offer. Bill has been a very acticve member of our Knights of Columbus (Council 10208 and the Victor A. Bieberle Assembly) and served in leadership roles, including Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. He has been very involved in our Sacred Heart Men's Club as past president, and as Secretary and in the fundraising endeavors of the Men's Club AND Knights of Clumbus. He has served as the commander of our Fourth Degree Honor Guard and has been an honor guard for a long time, serving at various parish and diocesan events in that role. Bill is a charter member of our Cemetery committee and in most recent times has taken over from Buddy Dixon as chair of that committee. I can truly and thankfully say that both Bill and Diane have "stepped up to the plate" and are a blessing to many in the use of the stewardship of faith that God has given them.
Both of their demeanors are calm, assured, and welcoming to all and are appreciated whenever and wherever they present themselves! I'm very glad that they were selected as V.I.P.'s for the first month of this new year. What a great way to start this year's recognition of V.I.P.'s If you shomehow don't know them, I hope you will look them up in the parish directory and look for opportunities to meet, get to know them and hopefully offer to serve with them in one or even a few ways. God bless both Bill and Diane.