In light of the recent deaths of some dear parishioners, as well as the little 5 years old (Mollie) from Ft. Smith that I wrote about a few weeks ago along with my special needs friend, Terry Ann from Hot Springs, I must admit that those deaths have touched me and have led me to grieve their loss from their families and all of them (except the 5 year old little girl) from my life.  I am so thankful that I and hopefully the families and friends  of the deceased, grieve with hope because of our belief that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead to bring us eternal life and promises eternal life to those who believe in him.  When people say to me, "Father how are you able to deal with so many deaths?" My response to that question is "because I have faith and hope in the Lord Jesus and in his desire that we and our loved ones 'marked with the sign of faith' be with him for all eternity (Jn 17:  24-26, Jn 14:1-6)."  I am truly blessed to be a sign of hope (beyond what this world offers) to people who are experiencing and grieving the loss of a loved one.  In the prayers that are prayed before and at the time of death, at the wake service (if there is one) and at the Mass of Resurrection and the comforting scripture passages that are proclaimed, we have the means in part to work through our grief and receive the support first of the Lord and then others to move on with our lives and look forward to a great reunion with our loved ones in the glorious presence of the Lord.  One of the Prefaces before the Eucharistic Prayer at Masses of Resurrection says it so beautifully.  "For as one alone he accepted death, so that we might all escape from dying; as one man he chose to die, so that in your sight we all might live forever."  (Preface II For The Dead).

                    "But Thanks be to God which giveth us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                            I Corinthians 15:57

Once again the Knights of Columbus Council 10208 (of our parish) has hit a home run in its efforts to raise money in the annual "campaign for Persons With Intellectual Disabilities."  With the leadership of Murray Claassen, the hard work of brother Knights (and wives of brother Knights) and the generosity of individuals and businesses within and outside of our parish population, around $30,000 was raised and will be distributed to such places as First Step, Special Olympics, Abilities Unlimited and The Caring Place. 

Whenever I think of The Caring Place, a woman by the name of Terry Ann Renaud come to my mind.  She is one of those "Special" people who always looked forward to what The Caring Place had to offer to those who were intellectually challenged.  I have been truly blessed to minister to Terry Ann most every Sunday for almot 4 years where she lived in a group home in Hot Springs.  Though not a parishioner, I began to take Terry Ann Communion as I was doing so for a Sacred Heart Parishioner, Alba Monti, who passed away a few years ago.  Terry Ann was always quick to greet me when I came into her presence and was eager to tell me about "seeing her dad and family" when she was able to visit them at her father's home in Maumelle.  She would routinely ask how my mother was doing and we discussed how the Razorback football or basketball team was doing.  She is a BIG fan.  After praying and giving her Holy Communion, she would say "Let me give you a hug" which I always happily responded to.  As of the writing of this column, Terry Ann is in hospice care and will probably go to the Lord soon.  As I spent time with her and her six siblings and dad in her hospital room for prayers on Monday including the Litany of the Saints and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, it was clear to me that this "Special Lady" has had a tremendous impact on many in her 67 years of life on this earth.  Though mentally challenged, she was able to accomplish much and had the heart of an innocent and loving child.  I will truly miss my weekly visits with her AND I will look forward to seeing her again when she will be perpetually whole and happy in her everlasting home of heaven.

As I write this week's pastor's column, I want to share with you the fact that I have been in grief the past few days as I contemplate the news that some friends of mine in Ft. Smith, as of Sunday morning are deeply mourning the death of one of their grandchildren, five year old Millie.  Obviously the parents, who exchanged vows in the Sacrament of Matrimony with me as the Celebrant of their wedding vows about ten years ago, are DEVASTATED.  Millie's older sister who is seven years old, is no doubt confused and hurting as her younger sister is no longer there to play with her.  Millie's parents took her to the emergency room in Ft. Smith with "cold-like symptoms" and within two hours she was dead.

In the face of such a tragedy, it is normal for the family to ask WHY this happened and not surprisingly many will ask that question to God.  Neither I as a priest, nor anyone I know of can answer that question with any acceptable or satisfying answer.  My response has been one of expressing sincere condolences and letting them know how sad I feel for them, and that I am praying God's love, comfort, consolation and hope wil be with them, especially when they were young, will rightly say that the hurt never completely goes away, most will say that with time (and I hope with faith) the hurt will lessen.  I would be inclinded, I think, to say something like this if I were to preach at this or any young child's funeral:  "The God who loved this child into existence and loved that child in the short time they were in this world, especially through their parents and other family members, now expresses indescribable loving care for this and every one of his children for all eternity.  And, with God's grace and mercy, you most assuredly will see and with joy be with her again!"