A Word from Your Pastor April 22

We were all saddened by the news of the sudden death of Msgr. George Schlegel, who has been an exemplary priest of the Diocese of Columbus and has served the St. Timothy community in many ways.  As I shared at Mass last weekend, Msgr. Schlegel was my second-to-last pastor before I became a pastor myself.  I was assigned as Associate Pastor with him at St. Joan of Arc Church in Powell in July 1993.  From there, he went to his final parish at Sacred Heart, New Philadelphia. 

After his retirement from Sacred Heart in 2010, Msgr. Schlegel has helped in many parishes throughout the diocese.  We were grateful to him for filling in for me as Administrator while I was away on sabbatical.  He was also a regular at all our penance services and School confessions.  He joined us for the celebration of the Easter Triduum on many occasions.  It was clear that he enjoyed being with us at St. Timothy Church.  Of course, every parish he assisted felt the same.

At the School Mass this week, I invited the children and all who were in attendance to think about Msgr. Schlegel and to learn what his example means to them.  His Faith, his willingness to put his intelligence to use for the Church and his joyful ministry as a priest can remind us all of the gift of our Catholic Faith and the invitation to serve in the Lord’s vineyard.  We pray that Msgr. Schlegel may find Eternal Rest and that God’s Mercy shine on him as he enters into the mystery of the Kingdom.

Bishop Campbell mentioned that Msgr. Schlegel went to his death with an attitude of serenity and peace.  He knew the One in Whom he put his trust.  May each of us prepare well for the completion of our own life’s journey.  St. Stephen, the first martyr, approached his death in imitation of Jesus, saying “Lord, into Your hands, I comment my spirit.”  What do you want your own last words to be?  We must all begin now to live as we want our life to end.  Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us and on the whole world!

Today we will be acknowledging another kind of transition with a celebration with Fr. Bill Faustner of his retirement and move.  All are invited to join us as we hold a retirement reception (open house) for Fr. Bill this Sunday, April 22 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the cafeteria at St. Timothy's (after noon Mass).   Please plan to come to wish Father Bill the best and enjoy some food and refreshments provided by the Men's Club, Women's Club and several parishioners.