I will admit that when I choose a subject for my pastor's column, I usually don't have any preconceived idea of how long it will be. I can tell you that the one (Marian now) who puts the bulletin together has to be ready normally for long or longer, not short or shorter, which some would say sounds like my homilies.
This week, I could predict before I really get started that this column will be long or longer than usual because of the subject matter which is Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer who was chosen as our "V.I.P. (Very Important Parishioner)" for the months of January and February. Since he was a deacon serving this parish for years before I got here, I can't go into detail as to ALL that he did in the days of the pastorate of Msgr. Bernard Malone (of happy memory), because it would take too much space that even Marian may not have room to put it all. I mean that Deacon Larry (in the early years of his diaconate took on MUCH ministry in this parish besides being a regular presence on the altar to assist and sometimes to preach. As Msgr. Malone got older, he leaned more and more on Deacon Larry and to some extent Deacon Wally and Bernie and he was always ready and willing to serve Msgr. Malone and the wonderful parishioners here at Sacred Heart.
After I arrived over 10 years ago, he continued to make himself available on the altar and in other ministries like Adult Religious Education, funeral planning and preparation, and visiting and taking Communion to the sick and shut-ins. His background in finance has benefitted and continues to benefit the Finance Council and our parish bookkeeper. Though officially "Retired" in his ministry as a deacon, he has continued to help in our religious education ministry and helps in other ways (including in the Sacred Heart Columbarium committee). Deacon Larry's easy-going personality and helpful demeanor continues to bless this parish and me in many ways and the fact is that he is the last man standing and working in this parish as the others have retired and/or moved.
I can't finish this column without giving a LOUD shout-out and thanks to God for Larry's dear wife (of over 50 years), Jan. The support she has given Larry over the years in their marriage and in his ministry is VERY MUCH appreciated and must be recognized. Just the reality of the sacrifice of Deacon Larry's time away from her in doing ministry is something to be appreciated and recognized as well as the other support (including the spiritual) that she gives him. Speaking of spiritual, Deacon Larry still leads a prayer group on Sunday and faithfully leads the rosary at our monthly Knights of Columbus meeting.
I told you this was going to be long, and it could be longer, but let me finish by saying THANK YOU GOD for Deacon Larry and urge you to thank him as well as he deservedly is recognized as our V.I.P. for January and February, 2021!
This week, I could predict before I really get started that this column will be long or longer than usual because of the subject matter which is Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer who was chosen as our "V.I.P. (Very Important Parishioner)" for the months of January and February. Since he was a deacon serving this parish for years before I got here, I can't go into detail as to ALL that he did in the days of the pastorate of Msgr. Bernard Malone (of happy memory), because it would take too much space that even Marian may not have room to put it all. I mean that Deacon Larry (in the early years of his diaconate took on MUCH ministry in this parish besides being a regular presence on the altar to assist and sometimes to preach. As Msgr. Malone got older, he leaned more and more on Deacon Larry and to some extent Deacon Wally and Bernie and he was always ready and willing to serve Msgr. Malone and the wonderful parishioners here at Sacred Heart.
After I arrived over 10 years ago, he continued to make himself available on the altar and in other ministries like Adult Religious Education, funeral planning and preparation, and visiting and taking Communion to the sick and shut-ins. His background in finance has benefitted and continues to benefit the Finance Council and our parish bookkeeper. Though officially "Retired" in his ministry as a deacon, he has continued to help in our religious education ministry and helps in other ways (including in the Sacred Heart Columbarium committee). Deacon Larry's easy-going personality and helpful demeanor continues to bless this parish and me in many ways and the fact is that he is the last man standing and working in this parish as the others have retired and/or moved.
I can't finish this column without giving a LOUD shout-out and thanks to God for Larry's dear wife (of over 50 years), Jan. The support she has given Larry over the years in their marriage and in his ministry is VERY MUCH appreciated and must be recognized. Just the reality of the sacrifice of Deacon Larry's time away from her in doing ministry is something to be appreciated and recognized as well as the other support (including the spiritual) that she gives him. Speaking of spiritual, Deacon Larry still leads a prayer group on Sunday and faithfully leads the rosary at our monthly Knights of Columbus meeting.
I told you this was going to be long, and it could be longer, but let me finish by saying THANK YOU GOD for Deacon Larry and urge you to thank him as well as he deservedly is recognized as our V.I.P. for January and February, 2021!
Oue preparations for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord hopefully led to a wonderful celebration of Christ's first coming. Our preparations for his second coming are ongoing and we hope will lead us to a forever celebration in the joys of eternity.
The following was something I used in my homily at the Christmas Eve Masses this year. I have had numerous requests for a copy of it and since those who came for the Christmas morning Masses didn't hear it, I hope you will take time to read and ponder what is said in this takeoff from the Christmas Story, "Twas The Night Before Christmas." This is called, "Twas The Night Before Jesus Came."
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME
Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house.
Their Bible were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The Light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus!, returning just like He had said,
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him, in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, it's not here, my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready, He rose without a sound,
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem, the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!
The following was something I used in my homily at the Christmas Eve Masses this year. I have had numerous requests for a copy of it and since those who came for the Christmas morning Masses didn't hear it, I hope you will take time to read and ponder what is said in this takeoff from the Christmas Story, "Twas The Night Before Christmas." This is called, "Twas The Night Before Jesus Came."
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME
Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house.
Their Bible were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The Light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus!, returning just like He had said,
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him, in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, it's not here, my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready, He rose without a sound,
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem, the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!
I know the P.O.A. has a Christmas gathering each year for all its employees and thanks them for their work with words and Christmas gifts from the people of Hot Springs Village which shows them in at least a small way how much they are appreciated for all they do.
At this time of the year, I too thank some special people at Sacred Heart Church for on behalf of myself and our parishioners for the work they do as a volunteer or as an employee. For those who don't know our employees (some of whom are contract workers) are Lynne Border, Marian LaVelle, Sheila Miller, Danny Elser, Brett George, and Margaret Keearns.
In addition, I want to thank all those who go beyond their time in the pews for Mass to help in so many ways. They include our head sacristan, Mark Lukasavige and the assistant sacristans who come early to set up and stay late to put away. There's also our parishioners who teach our children in R.E.Y., Bernadette Kroetz, Rose Harrigan, Josie Hanschmann, Ed Doyle, and Jim Berkstram who give an hour each week to teach our young people about the Lord and the Catholic Church and take time to prepare for each lesson. I want to also acknowledge and thank Pat Widlowski and Cathy Wedwick who have headed up our Helping Hands ministry for over 10 years and all the volunteers (too many to name) who help their fellow parishioners in many ways. Then there are all those involved in our bereavement ministry which includes Chris Franz (our hospitality ministry at funerals), and our ushers at funerals, and always at weekend Masses and other special occasions and Holy Day!
Of course the Ladies of the Sacred Heart Guilds are always ready to provide a reception for grieving family members after the funerals are over. Ken Gordon heads up our ongoing grief support ministry with the assistance of trained parishioners. Then there's Linda Broome, our fitness instructor, who gives so much time and energy each week to help our parishioners (and other Villagers) to function better physically through her exercise and yoga classes. There are our nurses who are offering themselves through the leadership of Cathy Silk (who has now moved to North Carolina) to be ready at Masses should someone need immediate medical attention during Mass.
Finally (and I hesitate to say finally) there are those who have stepped forward to help with all aspects of the parking lot Masses to make them run smoothly in good weather and not so good weather. When I add in the parish commission leaders and members, our other ligurgical ministers, and the efforts of our leaders and members of the Knights of Columbus, Men's Club, and Ladies of the Sacred Heart in all their charitable work, our SIngles headed up by Susan Harrell and Debbie Doughty and our Newcomers couples headed up by Debbie and Dwayne Garrett. I know I and so many are truly blessed by the efforts of all these people to do the work of the Lord in this wonderful parish.
I would like the naming of all this and these people to also serve as an invitation to all of you who are curently not involved in the parish beyond coming to Mass to see the many opportunities out there to use some of your time, talents and faith in ways that will bless others and bless yourselves as well. Call me (501-209-2502) and we can talk about it.
I almost forgot Tom Donnelly and our leaders and participants in Eucharistic Adoration. It all starts with a growing relationship with the Lord and not only the peace he gives, but also the guidance that leads to all the good we do in his name!
At this time of the year, I too thank some special people at Sacred Heart Church for on behalf of myself and our parishioners for the work they do as a volunteer or as an employee. For those who don't know our employees (some of whom are contract workers) are Lynne Border, Marian LaVelle, Sheila Miller, Danny Elser, Brett George, and Margaret Keearns.
In addition, I want to thank all those who go beyond their time in the pews for Mass to help in so many ways. They include our head sacristan, Mark Lukasavige and the assistant sacristans who come early to set up and stay late to put away. There's also our parishioners who teach our children in R.E.Y., Bernadette Kroetz, Rose Harrigan, Josie Hanschmann, Ed Doyle, and Jim Berkstram who give an hour each week to teach our young people about the Lord and the Catholic Church and take time to prepare for each lesson. I want to also acknowledge and thank Pat Widlowski and Cathy Wedwick who have headed up our Helping Hands ministry for over 10 years and all the volunteers (too many to name) who help their fellow parishioners in many ways. Then there are all those involved in our bereavement ministry which includes Chris Franz (our hospitality ministry at funerals), and our ushers at funerals, and always at weekend Masses and other special occasions and Holy Day!
Of course the Ladies of the Sacred Heart Guilds are always ready to provide a reception for grieving family members after the funerals are over. Ken Gordon heads up our ongoing grief support ministry with the assistance of trained parishioners. Then there's Linda Broome, our fitness instructor, who gives so much time and energy each week to help our parishioners (and other Villagers) to function better physically through her exercise and yoga classes. There are our nurses who are offering themselves through the leadership of Cathy Silk (who has now moved to North Carolina) to be ready at Masses should someone need immediate medical attention during Mass.
Finally (and I hesitate to say finally) there are those who have stepped forward to help with all aspects of the parking lot Masses to make them run smoothly in good weather and not so good weather. When I add in the parish commission leaders and members, our other ligurgical ministers, and the efforts of our leaders and members of the Knights of Columbus, Men's Club, and Ladies of the Sacred Heart in all their charitable work, our SIngles headed up by Susan Harrell and Debbie Doughty and our Newcomers couples headed up by Debbie and Dwayne Garrett. I know I and so many are truly blessed by the efforts of all these people to do the work of the Lord in this wonderful parish.
I would like the naming of all this and these people to also serve as an invitation to all of you who are curently not involved in the parish beyond coming to Mass to see the many opportunities out there to use some of your time, talents and faith in ways that will bless others and bless yourselves as well. Call me (501-209-2502) and we can talk about it.
I almost forgot Tom Donnelly and our leaders and participants in Eucharistic Adoration. It all starts with a growing relationship with the Lord and not only the peace he gives, but also the guidance that leads to all the good we do in his name!