Normally when my pastor's column is devoted to our VIP of the month (which for January is Maureen Morgan), I begin by bringing up my own knowledge of the person and what I especially appreciate about them that has made (and in the case of Maureen still makes) them a blessing for this parish and others. Maureen and her husband, Colin, moved to Hot Springs Village and became members of our parish in 1993. She has been a longtime member of LOSH (since 2006) and chose to be active in the St Jude Guild because of its mission to support the youth of our parish through our REY (Religious Education for Youth). She has regularly helped as an "ice cream scooper" as this guild has a fundraiser(s) at Men's Club dinners to raise money to support our youth in special dinners, beginning and end of school year parties and receptions and gifts for those youth who are receiving sacraments at our parish. She has delivered food through Meals on Wheels, served and provided food for funeral receptions and contributed time and goodies for LOSH bake goods sales and food baskets. Maureen is best known for and is seen and appreciated by many for her beautiful singing voice which she has used over the years as a regular cantor at the 8:00 a.m. Mass, as a soloist and member of the funeral choir at Masses of Ressurection for parishioners, with special choirs for Christmas and the Easter Triduum and for special events like the Knight's Memorial Mass and LOSH May crowning service. She has entertained many by writing and leading a group of singers at deacons' retirement dinners and anniversary and birthday celebrations for me (which I truly appreciate). She honored and entertained Msgr Malone and us with a parody Irish song that brought a big smile to him and others there. I don't have space to mention all the ways she has volunteered and served the larger community of Hot Springs Village with her time and talents, but I can tell you it's impressive! Personally, I have been impressed and blessed by her perpetual smile, her positive demeanor, her high energy level, AND her willingness to communicate with me in person (or usually by e-mail) with compliments, questions, critiques, and information that I have found helpful to me and to the parish. I appreciate her and anyone sharing with honesty about what I'm doing (or could be doing) and ideas that could (and more often than not) will benefit our parish which Maureen loves deeply. I do want to also thank her dear husband, Colin who has supported, and I know will continue to support, the time and talent she has given and continues to give in so many ways to this wonderful parish and our Hot Springs Village community!