Some Brief Updates – Honoring Fr. Robert Kropac and Parishioner Updates

Funeral services for Fr. Bob Kropac are open to the public and will be held Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. at his home parish of St. Mary’s in Painesville, located at 242 N. State Street. The Very Reverend John Thomas Lane, SSS, Provincial Minister of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and Pastor of St. Paschal Baylon Church will preside. As a reminder, our 11:30 a.m. mass on Sunday will be offered in thanksgiving for Bob’s ministry at St Peter and for his eternal rest and peace.

Thanks to a lead from Paul Glowacki, I spoke with parishioner John Keirnan Wednesday morning. For those who may not know, John is a long-time parishioner who often assists with preparing the altar at the 11:30am mass. He said he feels like he’s been “living in London fog” for the past five to six weeks. He can navigate in his home but the foggy vision he’s experiencing prevents him from driving. He is receiving various treatments, but his condition is challenging his medical team to find a specific diagnosis. John chose not to receive a home visit but certainly asks for our prayers. I promised him we certainly would, asking for the intercession of St. Lucy, patroness of all with vision-related concerns.

I also met someone this morning who keeps in contact with Joyce Watterson. Joyce broke her hip some months back and is working to regain her stability and mobility. I asked our mutual friend to pass along greetings from the parish and asked her to share Joyce’s updated contact information so we can stay in contact more easily. I trust Joyce can use and will appreciate our prayers.

Every three years, the friars of our Capuchin Province are asked to make our annual retreat a fraternal rather than a personal experience. After the 11:30am mass this Sunday, I will head east to the Malvern Retreat Center near Philadelphia, to spend the week with fifteen other friars, reflecting on the gift of the priesthood. The gathering ends next Friday morning, and I will then return home. Fr. Paul Dressler, OFM Cap, will preside at our 7:00pm mass this Sunday evening. Please remember the friars on retreat in your prayers; we will be praying for all of you each day.

Pace e bene! Peace and Blessing!

Br. Phil Bernier, OFM Cap