When you hear the term B&B, many people immediately think of "Bed and Breakfast" opportunities in various places. I'm sure some of you have used B&Bs over the years. For purposes of this pastor's column, when I speak to you of B&B, I'm referring to our VIPs for the month of July, Bob and Bonnie Lennen. Before telling you more about them and their participation in our faith community, I want to bring to your attention (with their permission) the fact that Bob, though a cradle Catholic (having received Baptism and Eucharist in the early years of his life) had not received Confirmation and was not a practicing Catholic for many years, only returning and being Confirmed by Bishop Taylor in 2011.
After many prayers by his dear wife Bonnie, and encouragement from others (especially parishioner John McGrail of happy memory), Bob, led by the Holy Spirit who came to him at his Confirmation, started to get involved in such activities as the Men's Club and Knights of Columbus. He became an usher at the 10:00 a.m. Mass and, for a time, coordinated a monthly Sunday afternoon golf outing for parishioners, along with a meal that followed, at vaious courses in the Village. He was (and is) a Eucharistic Adorer and, at a certain point, became the afternoon division leader for Eucharistic Adoration in our parish. Bob was known to take open Holy Hours whenever needed and only recently gave up his role as division leader.
I hold Bob and Bonnie up as wonderful examples of commitment to the Lord (in prayer) and in service to His people. Bonnie was not only praying for Bob for years (and being a good and faithful wife), she also showed to Bob, and others, the joy of being involved in Christ-inspired activities. She has been a long-time member of the Sunday and Resurrection choir, is a Ladies Guild memeber and past captain of her guild. She was a secretary for L.O.S.H., is a Eucharistic Minister to our homebound parishioners, and a long-time Eucharisitic Adorer and hourly captain.
I am sure Bob and Bonnie inspire and encourage each other in the ministries they did and the ones they are doing for our Lord and our parish. Bob's sense of humor (he once said about me, "I finally found a priest that I can see eye to eye with in our small stature and I believe in other ways as well.) Bonnie has a sweet disposition that both friends and strangers discover and treasure about her.
Though they humbly indicated when finding out that they were chosen as VIPs, there are many others who deserve that honor before them. I hope you will agree with me that they are a fitting choice and I would ask prayers in thanksgiving to God for B&B. Let them know by word (if you know them) or by card that you appreciate them. I know I do!!
After many prayers by his dear wife Bonnie, and encouragement from others (especially parishioner John McGrail of happy memory), Bob, led by the Holy Spirit who came to him at his Confirmation, started to get involved in such activities as the Men's Club and Knights of Columbus. He became an usher at the 10:00 a.m. Mass and, for a time, coordinated a monthly Sunday afternoon golf outing for parishioners, along with a meal that followed, at vaious courses in the Village. He was (and is) a Eucharistic Adorer and, at a certain point, became the afternoon division leader for Eucharistic Adoration in our parish. Bob was known to take open Holy Hours whenever needed and only recently gave up his role as division leader.
I hold Bob and Bonnie up as wonderful examples of commitment to the Lord (in prayer) and in service to His people. Bonnie was not only praying for Bob for years (and being a good and faithful wife), she also showed to Bob, and others, the joy of being involved in Christ-inspired activities. She has been a long-time member of the Sunday and Resurrection choir, is a Ladies Guild memeber and past captain of her guild. She was a secretary for L.O.S.H., is a Eucharistic Minister to our homebound parishioners, and a long-time Eucharisitic Adorer and hourly captain.
I am sure Bob and Bonnie inspire and encourage each other in the ministries they did and the ones they are doing for our Lord and our parish. Bob's sense of humor (he once said about me, "I finally found a priest that I can see eye to eye with in our small stature and I believe in other ways as well.) Bonnie has a sweet disposition that both friends and strangers discover and treasure about her.
Though they humbly indicated when finding out that they were chosen as VIPs, there are many others who deserve that honor before them. I hope you will agree with me that they are a fitting choice and I would ask prayers in thanksgiving to God for B&B. Let them know by word (if you know them) or by card that you appreciate them. I know I do!!