Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
One of the "behind the scenes" ministries here at Sacred Heart Church is our "Welcoming Committee" that has been headed up most recently by Debbie and Dwayne Garrett.  Couples and individuals on this committee offer to meet with "newcomers" and share with them the wonderful and varied ministries and activities that our parish has to offer to our parishioners.  It has been the case over the years that many of these newcomers, who are mostly retirees "take it slow" when it comes to getting involved beyond coming to Mass each weekend.

Our V.I.P. for the month of April, Karen Feckler, was a welcome exception to that pattern when she and her husband Bob moved from Arizona to the Village and to our parish in December of 2013.  Both she and Bob hit the ground running, and since the sudden death of her husband Bob in a tragic car accident in July of 2020, in which Karen was injured, Karen has continued her wonderful example of service to the Lord, her parish, and those in need in a number of ways.  She is currently on the Parish Council as a representative of the Social Justice and Charitable Outreach Commission.  She has served previously on the Sacred Heart Parish Council as a member of the liturgy commission.  She is a lector, Eucharistic Minister, cantor, and choir member.  She is a past president of L.O.S.H. and in addition to her leadership in our ladies' group she has chaired a number of fundraisers for L.O.S.H. including fashion shows, a Christmas brunch, and a High Tea.

A recent health challenge has slowed down her involvement in our Helping Hands ministry to shut-ins (as she has only been able to drive one person so far to a doctor's appointment) and due to a relapse in her recovery, she has had to back out of a role in our Knight's most recent murder mystery/dinner production (though participants in previous parish dinner productions have been entertained by her acting abilities).  During the COVID outbreak, she headed up a small group of ladies (SonBeam Singers) to visit shut-in parishioners and entertain them (from a safe distance) with beautiful and uplifting songs.  Karen testifies that she loves to donate her time and talent in any way she can as it gives her great joy to do so, and in recent years it is done in thanksgiving to God for the wonderful support she received from her fellow parishioners when the "love of her life," Bob died.

I am always blessed to be around Karen in so many of these ministries because of her upbeat and joyful disposition and I can truly say she has been and continues to be one of our strong role models of the blessings given and received when one chooses to get involved in our exceptional parish.  On behalf of myself and our parishioners, I say "THANK YOU" Karen!!  You are a precious and valuable jewel to us in so many ways!!!