Last weekend at two of the Masses (8 & 10 a.m.), I spoke, among other things, about the importance of being supported by God and others and of being a means of support to others and to our parish in the way we are called to live out the mission and commission of our Baptism. I continually give thanks to God for the ways that I receive support for the ministries I am blessed to do for the people of this wonderful parish. While I know I am the beneficiary of prayers for me on a regular basis, I felt supported in a special way recently as I celebrated my 60th birthday. A large crowd of parishioners (and my mom and brother, Danny) gathered in the lower hall for a delicious potluck meal and I was serenaded not only with the traditional "Happy Birthday" song by the large crowd that was present, but also by an original song (set to the tune "Mack the Knife" - 1959) that was composed by Maureen Morgan and sung by her and some members of our choir and accompanied by Lynne Border.
A few gifts were presented to me publicly including a wonderful Spiritual Bouquet of Masses and prayers and a beautiful rendition of the poem, "The Beautiful Hands of a Priest" that was enshrined in a lovely frame and read out loud by a few members of the parish.
After most had departed, I opened the material gifts that some parishioners brought that day (which was thoughtful of them - THANKS) and left feeling good about my 60th birthday and reminded of the fact that I am older now and not old. Honestly, it took me days to open all the birthday cards I received (some serious and some funny). I appreciated reading all of them and I thank all those who gave me a monetary gift with your well wishes. I will try to use it wisely.
Finally, I was blessed to be serenaded by the REY kids the evening of my birthday and enjoyed the scrapbook of homemade birthday cards with well wishes from our students and teachers. Being supported on my birthday (and continually by some) keeps me ever energized and thankful to God for the vocation that has been given to me for 33 years (and over 9 years here at Sacred Heart Parish). A special "God Bless you" to Cathy Silk and Cindy Lefler and their helpers who gave extra time and effort to make by 60th birthday one I will not soon forget!!
A few gifts were presented to me publicly including a wonderful Spiritual Bouquet of Masses and prayers and a beautiful rendition of the poem, "The Beautiful Hands of a Priest" that was enshrined in a lovely frame and read out loud by a few members of the parish.
After most had departed, I opened the material gifts that some parishioners brought that day (which was thoughtful of them - THANKS) and left feeling good about my 60th birthday and reminded of the fact that I am older now and not old. Honestly, it took me days to open all the birthday cards I received (some serious and some funny). I appreciated reading all of them and I thank all those who gave me a monetary gift with your well wishes. I will try to use it wisely.
Finally, I was blessed to be serenaded by the REY kids the evening of my birthday and enjoyed the scrapbook of homemade birthday cards with well wishes from our students and teachers. Being supported on my birthday (and continually by some) keeps me ever energized and thankful to God for the vocation that has been given to me for 33 years (and over 9 years here at Sacred Heart Parish). A special "God Bless you" to Cathy Silk and Cindy Lefler and their helpers who gave extra time and effort to make by 60th birthday one I will not soon forget!!