Thank you for your prayers for, kind words and thoughtful memories of Deacon John and for your prayers for his family. Deacon John always approached his diaconate ministry with kindness, compassion, and respect. He was always guided by his faith and his trust in the grace of the Holy Spirit. Yesterday, 7 June was the 27th anniversary of his diaconate ordination. We are most grateful for the loving service he provided to us here at Our Lady of Peace and at Notre Dame de Lourdes School.
Deacon John was responsible for organizing, scheduling, and training our altar servers – of which we have many young parishioners serving. While many parishes have shifted toward adult servers, because of the ministry of Deacon John, that has not been necessary here. Deacon John annually invited members of our school community and PREP to consider a vocation to service at the altar. His meticulously worked at their scheduling, offered careful observant training, and made sure that their vestures were in good condition.
Deacon John assisted with Baptismal preparation and scheduling. Whenever a baptism was registered at the parish office it would be Deacon John reaching out in a warm avuncular fashion offering congratulations and assisting in whatever way he could to make certain that our new and youngest parishioners would be appropriately received into our parish community.
Deacon John was a fixture for our Monday morning Masses. It was Deacon John who set the parish off on the right footing at the commencement of each week by leading our Monday morning prayers. Morning Prayer was soon followed by the Monday homily at Mass and the Sodality prayers after Mass.
Deacon John organized our parish’s annual Mass of Remembrance each November. He would send invitations to family members who had experienced the loss of a loved one during the previous year. Additionally, he would organize candle purchases and distribution as well as prepare the booklet for the occasion. Deacon John frequently participated in vigil services for the recently deceased as well as internment rituals.
Speaking of candles, it was Deacon John who coordinated the vigil candle program. He would make sure that an adequate number of candles were available for the statuaries at Our Lady of Peace as well as for the vigil candle at the statue of Our Lady at Notre Dame de Lourdes.
As you light your vigil candles perhaps offer a candle for the repose of the soul of Deacon John as well as for the condolences for his family. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Today is Pentecost, the close of the Easter season. Blessings as we celebrate the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit – our Advocate.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.