One of the ways I have been blessed in my experience so far at Sacred Heart, is having five wonderful permanent deacons to assist me in so many ways in the care of this wonderful parish.  One of these, Deacon Wally Gieringer, recently came to me and expressed his need to retire from active diaconal ministry because of family responsibilities.  I listened to his reasons and supported his difficult decision, though selfishly and for your sake, I expressed regrets that he felt the need to retire.  Even so, he will continue to have Benediction at the end of our First Friday devotions, and I left the door open on Thursdays for him to assist at Mass whenever he wants to.  Otherwise, there will normally not be a deacon assisting me for Thursday Masses.  This puts a little caveat on what Deacon Wally said through a bulletin announcement a few weekends ago.  I pray that Deacon Wally and his dear wife, Suzy, will enjoy not "being scheduled" for anything, while continuing to serve The Lord and this parish in some ways.  God bless you, Deacon Wally and Suzy, for your long and devoted service to The Lord in the permanent diaconate ministry.