A Word from Your Pastor - February 8

Dear Parishioners:

This past week I was present at the deathbed of Msgr. Thomas Bender, a priest of the Diocese of Columbus.  He had asked me to serve as his Power of Attorney and other roles in case of need.  He was the last Pastor I had as Associate Pastor, when I served at St. Joan of Arc Parish 1993-1995.  He was a gentle soul, a loving shepherd of his flock.  He helped me in my priesthood to see Parish as a Family.  It was truly a privilege to accompany him in this final journey.  May he rest in peace and may the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.  His funeral Mass will take place Wednesday, February 11, and I have been asked to preach the homily.  Please keep me in your prayers as I take up this responsibility.

Being present to “Father Tom” and being able to offer him the Sacramental touches that the Church supplies in preparation for death brought home to me several things.  First, the Catholic Church has something to offer that really does serve to “take us home” to God.  The prayers and the Sacraments are strength and consolation for those who receive them and for those who have the privilege to administer them.  Second, all the other matters that cause us distress in Time truly fade into the background when we keep Eternity in mind.  Third, the Lord is truly faithful to those who love Him.

A number of families in our parish are experiencing similar moments in the lives of loved ones.  Many have lost members of their families and some are now facing illnesses that will soon call them to the Kingdom.  We are invited to put our trust in the Good Shepherd Who will lead us to green pastures, both in Time and in Eternity.  We keep these members in our prayers and ask them to carry awareness of our needs to God as they go forth from this life.

If you have family members in need of the Sacraments, please let us know.  Anointing of the Sick is available at any time for those facing a serious illness, surgery, or the burdens of age.  The Last Anointing includes special prayers and an opportunity to renew Baptismal Vows.  Reconciliation as death approaches includes Absolution with the Apostolic Pardon, a special blessing at the end of life.  The formal “Last Rite” is the final reception of Eucharist, called Viaticum, “Food for the journey.”  Often priests offer those approaching death “the triple-A treatment”: Absolution, Apostolic Pardon and Anointing.

Don’t miss out on everything that the Church has to offer.  Catholics are truly blessed to know the love of the Good Shepherd so personally through these consoling Sacraments.  Every Mass we attend and every Hail Mary we pray throughout our lives is present in the hour of our death.

This Sunday, we welcome Bishop Campbell for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  May the Holy Spirit guide our newly confirmed and their families to live the Catholic Faith fully, as disciples of the Good Shepherd.  May their lives be a sign of the Joy of the Gospel and a witness to all of the truth of our Faith.