Sometimes it takes awhile for me to decide the subject matter for my weekly pastor's column. And, sometimes, it comes to me rather quickly. This week it was clear to me right away that I needed to devote this space to reflections on Deacon Bernie Bauer and Marilyn, his wife and faithful, loving companion for 70 years.
Firstly, I am thankful for the ministry Deacon Bernie offered so lovingly and faithfully to this parish for most of the 27.5 years that he and Marilyn lived in the Village as parishioners at Sacred Heart Church. Even as he stepped away from normal deacon ministry a few years ago, he remained a daily Mass attendee who was first to be asked to serve as a minister of the Sacred Blood at Mass. He almost always stayed after Mass to purify the sacred vessel and set the altar books for Mass the next day. In doing this, he will truly be missed. He continued to take Holy Communion to a few of our shut-ins and remained active in our Village Interfaith Council as one of our parish representatives. He participated in ecumenical events sponsored by this Council, and was a great ambassador for this parish and for Catholicism in general. Marilyn, his dear wife, though restricted due to health issues, has always been his best support (after, of course, The Lord) in all that Deacon Bernie did. They were both involved in an ongoing prayer group of parishioners who faithfully met on Sundays. In a few short words, they will be "SORELY MISSED" by so many of us for so many reasons.
While I and others, and in agreement with the Bauers, recognize that their move to Illinois to live with one of their daughters, is what's best for them at this time in their lives, it is truly hard to say goodbye to them, or really (because we are believers in the Communion of Saints), we thankfully say "Until we meet again."
I am so glad that this parish has the pictures of both priests and deacons of this parish, present and past, on the wall of the narthex. It assures that current and future parishioners will know who ministered the Good News of Jesus to others, and I dare say, it will be hard (even perhaps, impossible) for anyone to surpass the longevity of their service to this wonderful parish and community.
God bless you, Deacon Bernie and Marilyn, and know that you will alway be in our thoughts and prayers no matter where you are, and I'm confident that we will be in yours. Keep smiling, and Deacon Bernie, keep that wonderful, spontaneous laugh that you have. It says to me how happy you always are to be one of God's children and an uplifting spirit to many, including, of course, me!
Firstly, I am thankful for the ministry Deacon Bernie offered so lovingly and faithfully to this parish for most of the 27.5 years that he and Marilyn lived in the Village as parishioners at Sacred Heart Church. Even as he stepped away from normal deacon ministry a few years ago, he remained a daily Mass attendee who was first to be asked to serve as a minister of the Sacred Blood at Mass. He almost always stayed after Mass to purify the sacred vessel and set the altar books for Mass the next day. In doing this, he will truly be missed. He continued to take Holy Communion to a few of our shut-ins and remained active in our Village Interfaith Council as one of our parish representatives. He participated in ecumenical events sponsored by this Council, and was a great ambassador for this parish and for Catholicism in general. Marilyn, his dear wife, though restricted due to health issues, has always been his best support (after, of course, The Lord) in all that Deacon Bernie did. They were both involved in an ongoing prayer group of parishioners who faithfully met on Sundays. In a few short words, they will be "SORELY MISSED" by so many of us for so many reasons.
While I and others, and in agreement with the Bauers, recognize that their move to Illinois to live with one of their daughters, is what's best for them at this time in their lives, it is truly hard to say goodbye to them, or really (because we are believers in the Communion of Saints), we thankfully say "Until we meet again."
I am so glad that this parish has the pictures of both priests and deacons of this parish, present and past, on the wall of the narthex. It assures that current and future parishioners will know who ministered the Good News of Jesus to others, and I dare say, it will be hard (even perhaps, impossible) for anyone to surpass the longevity of their service to this wonderful parish and community.
God bless you, Deacon Bernie and Marilyn, and know that you will alway be in our thoughts and prayers no matter where you are, and I'm confident that we will be in yours. Keep smiling, and Deacon Bernie, keep that wonderful, spontaneous laugh that you have. It says to me how happy you always are to be one of God's children and an uplifting spirit to many, including, of course, me!