"Gone But Not Forgotten" are words that certainly applies to people who make an impact on someone or many people's lives and who have moved or passed from this life into the hands of the the Lord.  In the case of Jim Dyar it was both, as he and his dear wife, Libby of Sacred Heart Parish, moved to Louisville, KY a few years ago due to Jim's deteriorating health and now Jim, on Sunday, passed from this world peacefully with Libby close by.  For those who did not know Jim, you missed a devoted daily Mass Catholic who was doggedly pro-life in many ways including the "pro-life buttons" he provided and strongly encouraged people in the parish and people he encountered in the Village (and probably beyond) to wear as a statement of support, especially for the unborn child.  Those buttons can still be found in a basket on the credenza that leads toward the classrooms just off the Narthex.  Feel free to take one if you intend to wear it.  Jim never went anywhere without a button on his shirt and others in his pocket to give away.  Jim also served on othe parish council in the area of Adult Education and participated in many of our studies well into his older years as he was one who truly believed one is never too old to learn.  Jim was a craftsman who made many mosaic crosses as gifts (including one that I am happy to have) and he carefully "made" the stations of the cross that adorn the walls of our Eucharistic Chapel.  He and Libby were charter members of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in our parish, and if I remember correctly, they took on of those "difficult to cover" overnight hours.  Jim was a faithful and proud Knight of Columbus in the 3rd and 4th degree in our council and assembly and pitched in on various projects, including "kitchen duty."  Jim loved the Lord and sought to grow in his relationship with the Lord in and through the activities and ministries I have mentioned and was a regular in the Friday morning prayer group.  It was indeed hard for many of us to see them move away from us physically but they never left our hearts.  As we pray for the happy repose of his soul, I have no doubts that in the future any of us can (and hopefully will) ask for his intercession as we journey to be with the Lord as he is (or will be).  Eternal rest grant unto Jim, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him!  May he rest in peace.  Amen.

Just a word of acknowledgement and appreciation to those who took the time and made the effort to congratulate our First Communion and Confirmation recipients with a card, note, and/or a religious article.  These young people have been supported in various ways by their "parish family" along with their immediate family members and I know they felt your love for them in the prayers, cards and words of encouragement that you offered and will hopefully continue to offer them.  They are indeed very few in number in comparison to our predominately older parishioners, and as such they need to feel special to all of us as they and we are special to the Lord.  After these past two weekends I am confident they do.