32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners,
I announced last week that Deacon Pat Murphy will be taking senior status. Priests have the option to do this at age 70 and are required to step down from administrative duties at 80. Most priests take senior status at least by the time they are 75.
Deacon Pat will be 79 in February and has told me that he feels that it is time. I think we all would agree that we appreciate his willingness to stay in active ministry for as long as he has. In my six and a half years here, he has been a rock I could lean on. I respect his decision. I know he prayed very hard about it.
We are fortunate to have two deacons in training. Matt Martel and Mike Maynard will be ordained in just a couple years if all goes well. They may take on some new responsibilities in the days ahead as the parish tries to adjust to Deacon Pat’s absence.
It is not possible to have a reception for Deacon Pat at this time because of the pandemic and he has chosen to forgo any other kind of public recognition. He is a humble man and I again respect his decision.
I would encourage parishioners to send a note or a card to him at his home to express your gratitude. He has touched many lives through his 20 years of diaconal ministry. His address is:
Deacon Patrick Murphy, 3001 Oakview Lane, Bettendorf, IA 52722
Deacon Pat is a truly good disciple of Jesus who has served our parish, those in prison, the sick and the dying, the grieving and many others. I hope he enjoys his new freedom.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
P.S. We will be making an adjustment to our pandemic schedule. The number of people receiving communion outside on Tuesday and Thursday has dropped to only a few. With the change in the weather, the priests will remain in church for a half hour after the 8:00 a.m. livestream Masses so that people can come into the Church to receive communion. If you want to avoid people, come in the East door. If you cannot come into the church just call our office and give an approximate time and we will come out to your car and administer communion to you. We will continue to offer communion outside after the livestream Mass at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.