We have all heard it said about someone, especially after they die that this person "left their mark" in terms of the difference they made in people's lives or in their profession. In the case of Lanny Mabus, our parishioner who recently died, I think it can be said that he "left his mark" in the many items he made for our church building as a master woodworker that benefited our liturgical space and made our facility safer for those who walk around. An example of both were the handrails he built and installed in the hallways of the A&E building that stretched from the outside door to the Narthex as well as the rails that assist our liturgical ministers as they walk up the ramps leading to the altar area. In addition he made the following items that are regularly used and seen in the body of the church: stand for the Roman Missal, Book of the Gospels (on the altar and in front of the ambo), and the candle stands on either side of the altar. He constructed the beautiful Ambry that holds the precious, blessed holy oils at the entrance into the body of the church and the cross that stands in the narthex during the Lenten and Easter seasons and has normally been used for the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday. Like St. Joseph who is generally thought of as being quiet, and faithful in his carpentry work and his care for Mary and Jesus, so Lanny was a quiet man who used his God-given skills for much good for the church and many others and was a loving husband to Kathy for 50 years and a loving father to his four daughters. Once he made his profession of faith in the Catholic Church (and really before this) he was active in lay ministry as an usher (and serving as the head usher over all the ushers the past few years). He was active as a Knight of Columbus (3rd & 4th Degree) and logged many miles to and from Little Rock taking donations of men's clothes to St. Francis House, a homeless shelter for Veterans. He was a member of the Men's Club and a faithful Monday morning adorer in our Perpetual Adoration chapel (though I know it was difficult for him to sit still there or anywhere for an hour straight). Lanny's funeral Mass was two days before the feast of St. Martha. I am please to say I knew this man who was "Martha-like" in his busyness and this love for the Lord Jesus.
Please remember Lanny in your prayers and thank God for the "marks" he left in this wonderful parish. May he rest in peace!