Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Some of our parishioners have been in the Village and in our parish for many years and have given of themselves in ministries and have been involved in activities for much, if not all the time they have been a part of this faith family.

Others have been here a relatively short period of time and have chosen to not only get involved but also take on leadership roles in various ministries and activities.  This has shown itself when it comes to Murray and Kim Claassen, our March V.I.P's (Very Important Person or persons) of the month.  They have been parishioners of Sacred Heart Church for only 7 years, and became involved early on in their time here and have only deepened that involvment as time has gone on (which has been a blessing to us AND they will attest to them as well).

As a gentleman says, "ladies first," I would like to start with Kim's involvement.  She has been a participant in the ministry of Eucharistic Adoration and has been very involved in the Ladies of Sacred Heart and the St. Theresa's Guild as a participant in both and as LOSH treasurer and her guild treasure.  Besides these activities, she is a wonderful support for her husband, Murray in his involvement as a Knight of Columbus especially with the "Taste of Faith" fundraising dinner to support our seminarians.

In addition to being a valued member of the Parish Finance Council for a number of years, Murray has distinguished himself as a member of our Knights of Columbus Council (10208) and the Fr. Victor A. Bieberle Assembly by his leadership of our Knights "Annual Campaign for Persons With Intellectual Abilities" (for 5 years) and as coordinator or our COVID vaccination clinics.  He did a fine job coordinating volunteers for the Bishop McDonald's Arkansas Catholic Charities Golf Tournament that was held for the first time this year at Diamante Golf Course and has been the coordinator of the "Taste of Faith" seminarian fundraising dinner for the past 3 years.  He has served as the "Grand Knight" of our local Knights Council for two years and navigated the Council through the difficult coronavirus outbreak without missing a monthly meeting (though at least one or two had to be done through a "zoom-like format).  While the Knights of Columbus is not formally a parish organization, it is clear to me that people like Murray (and other Knights in the parish) are parishioners first (in name and in action) and bless our parish with the ways the Knights do the Lord's work within the parish and in the community and call men to be the best Catholic gentlemen that they can be.

I am confident that Murray and Kim will continue to step forward on their own and respond positively to what is asked of them and inspire others to do the same!  God bless you Murray and Kim.