Once again the Knights of Columbus Council 10208 (of our parish) has hit a home run in its efforts to raise money in the annual "campaign for Persons With Intellectual Disabilities." With the leadership of Murray Claassen, the hard work of brother Knights (and wives of brother Knights) and the generosity of individuals and businesses within and outside of our parish population, around $30,000 was raised and will be distributed to such places as First Step, Special Olympics, Abilities Unlimited and The Caring Place.
Whenever I think of The Caring Place, a woman by the name of Terry Ann Renaud come to my mind. She is one of those "Special" people who always looked forward to what The Caring Place had to offer to those who were intellectually challenged. I have been truly blessed to minister to Terry Ann most every Sunday for almot 4 years where she lived in a group home in Hot Springs. Though not a parishioner, I began to take Terry Ann Communion as I was doing so for a Sacred Heart Parishioner, Alba Monti, who passed away a few years ago. Terry Ann was always quick to greet me when I came into her presence and was eager to tell me about "seeing her dad and family" when she was able to visit them at her father's home in Maumelle. She would routinely ask how my mother was doing and we discussed how the Razorback football or basketball team was doing. She is a BIG fan. After praying and giving her Holy Communion, she would say "Let me give you a hug" which I always happily responded to. As of the writing of this column, Terry Ann is in hospice care and will probably go to the Lord soon. As I spent time with her and her six siblings and dad in her hospital room for prayers on Monday including the Litany of the Saints and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, it was clear to me that this "Special Lady" has had a tremendous impact on many in her 67 years of life on this earth. Though mentally challenged, she was able to accomplish much and had the heart of an innocent and loving child. I will truly miss my weekly visits with her AND I will look forward to seeing her again when she will be perpetually whole and happy in her everlasting home of heaven.
Whenever I think of The Caring Place, a woman by the name of Terry Ann Renaud come to my mind. She is one of those "Special" people who always looked forward to what The Caring Place had to offer to those who were intellectually challenged. I have been truly blessed to minister to Terry Ann most every Sunday for almot 4 years where she lived in a group home in Hot Springs. Though not a parishioner, I began to take Terry Ann Communion as I was doing so for a Sacred Heart Parishioner, Alba Monti, who passed away a few years ago. Terry Ann was always quick to greet me when I came into her presence and was eager to tell me about "seeing her dad and family" when she was able to visit them at her father's home in Maumelle. She would routinely ask how my mother was doing and we discussed how the Razorback football or basketball team was doing. She is a BIG fan. After praying and giving her Holy Communion, she would say "Let me give you a hug" which I always happily responded to. As of the writing of this column, Terry Ann is in hospice care and will probably go to the Lord soon. As I spent time with her and her six siblings and dad in her hospital room for prayers on Monday including the Litany of the Saints and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, it was clear to me that this "Special Lady" has had a tremendous impact on many in her 67 years of life on this earth. Though mentally challenged, she was able to accomplish much and had the heart of an innocent and loving child. I will truly miss my weekly visits with her AND I will look forward to seeing her again when she will be perpetually whole and happy in her everlasting home of heaven.