October 31, 2014
FR. RON?S RAMBLINGS
As we observe All Souls? Day this weekend, we here at St. Michael?s are in the midst of our own personal grief. As you know Deacon Dan died last Saturday after a long struggle with illness. By Dan?s predetermined plans, Fr. Brian Flatley, a longtime friend, celebrated his funeral Mass and preached the homily on Thursday.
Deacon Dan came to us shortly after I was appointed pastor here in 2007. He brought enthusiasm, faith, and a boundless energy to his ministry as the first deacon St. Michael?s had known. And that ministry reached out to so many. He was the chaplain and founder of the Men?s Club; chaplain to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Catholic Daughters. HE spent many of his hours visiting the sick and shut in and organized that ministry which encompasses so many of our parishioners.
On a more personal note, Dan along with his wife Nancy became good friends to me. Dan worked by my side and shared the pastoral duties of Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Eucharist, Preaching and whatever else came along, always with a smile.
When he took sick and was no longer able to be with us, I missed him personally as well as professionally. And I vowed that we would never remove his name from our bulletin as long as he was still alive. He remained an important presence at St. Michael?s until the end.
Monday evening at our Annual Memorial Mass we will sadly add his name to the list of our beloved deceased. I know many will miss him. We offer our prayers and love to his wife Nancy and his family and hope that God?s compassionate care will remain with them all the long days ahead.