My uncle, Paul, a career military man, gave me advice more than once from his military background to plan, organize, delegate, and follow-up when it comes to getting some things done. When I think of Carol and Larry Cruz who are our VIP (Very Important Persons) for the months of March and April (as chosen by our parish council), I remember them following this order and getting much done in their role as sacristans for well over 10 years here at Sacred Heart Church. I don't think Larry would mind me saying that his wife of over 60 years was in charge (at least in the role of sacristan), but Larry was always an invaluable help in most everything that had to be done before and after the ligurgies at Sacred Heart Church.
By the time I arrived as pastor of Sacred Heart Church (in June 2010), it was clear to me that Carol had things "under control" when it came to her duties to get things ready for our liturgies and keep our liturgical environment beautiful and appropriate. While I know she did delegate some responsibilities to other "assistant sacristans," Carol always did the Follow-up to make sure everything happened as it should. I was also thankful for her openness to some things I wanted done that were different from Msgr. Maone whom she served for a number of years. She would definitely share her opinion with me and I hope I always (or mostly) valued her perspective. She and Larry were up at the church seemingly daily and for a significant time both before and after our liturgies. They were always content with their roll of working behind the scenes and I must admit I probably didn't thank them enough on a regular basis for all of their hard work.
Over my years here they "threatened" to retire a number of times, which was never news that I wanted to hear. When they finally did retire, they made sure that our current sacristan, Mark Luckasavige, was adequately prepared to take over and always made themselves available to help him if (or when) he needed the help of their invailuable experience. Though it's been awhile since they returend "full time" to the pews, I can honestly say, I still miss them in the important role they played for so long. Carol and Larry Cruz are definitely worthy of being honored among our VIP's and I invite you to thank them for all their wonderful work for the Lord and this parish that has definitely left its mark in so many ways!!
By the time I arrived as pastor of Sacred Heart Church (in June 2010), it was clear to me that Carol had things "under control" when it came to her duties to get things ready for our liturgies and keep our liturgical environment beautiful and appropriate. While I know she did delegate some responsibilities to other "assistant sacristans," Carol always did the Follow-up to make sure everything happened as it should. I was also thankful for her openness to some things I wanted done that were different from Msgr. Maone whom she served for a number of years. She would definitely share her opinion with me and I hope I always (or mostly) valued her perspective. She and Larry were up at the church seemingly daily and for a significant time both before and after our liturgies. They were always content with their roll of working behind the scenes and I must admit I probably didn't thank them enough on a regular basis for all of their hard work.
Over my years here they "threatened" to retire a number of times, which was never news that I wanted to hear. When they finally did retire, they made sure that our current sacristan, Mark Luckasavige, was adequately prepared to take over and always made themselves available to help him if (or when) he needed the help of their invailuable experience. Though it's been awhile since they returend "full time" to the pews, I can honestly say, I still miss them in the important role they played for so long. Carol and Larry Cruz are definitely worthy of being honored among our VIP's and I invite you to thank them for all their wonderful work for the Lord and this parish that has definitely left its mark in so many ways!!