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nissag Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 23 2006 Location: Massachusetts
Online Status: Offline Posts: 1511
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Posted: Nov 10 2008 at 4:30pm | IP Logged
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Our pastor, Fr. Bob, is on a medical leave of absence for at least three months. They are calling it 'exhaustion' which is usually code for depression. He looks wane, and almost gray. His voice has lost it's timbre. ANd he is rapidly losing weight. He joins us at Mass to help with communion - just can't keep him from that.
We have a vibrant parish community, and our two priests can take much credit for that. Unfortunately, one has worked himself literally to the bone and his health is suffering. We think that he may not return. He has been planning retirement in Rome for a few years now, and I think the time has come.
Our senior priest, a beautiful French-Canadian man, is also elderly - 10 years Fr. Bob's senior, which puts him in his mid-eighties. His health has been declining, our senior deacon is also in his 80s and failing. Our remaining clergyman, a deacon in his 60s is suffering great family difficulties - a SIL with bone cancer (only 30-ish), his wife's breast cancer, and his own clinical depression. Our parish staff is aging - secretary and scheduler are both into their 80s as well.
These people are the life-blood of our parish. They keep everything moving. We have many laymen who are helping, but we need the guidance of our clergy and administration. We are praying that God will send some relief for them soon. Bless them all - what service they've given.
Please add your prayers to those of our parish. His will be done!
Blessings,
__________________ Nissa
Deacon's wife, mother of eleven, farmer, teacher, creator, cook.
At Home With the Gadbois Family
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guitarnan Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Maryland
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Posted: Nov 10 2008 at 4:41pm | IP Logged
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Oh, dear. It's so hard to watch beloved priests and pastoral staff have health problems, when their dedication is so clear and their service is so needed!
Change is hard, too, and I'll remember your parish in my prayers as your community faces the unknown and intercedes for your priests, deacons and staff members.
__________________ Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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doris Forum All-Star
Joined: April 24 2006 Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline Posts: 1103
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Posted: Nov 10 2008 at 5:05pm | IP Logged
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Praying, Nissa.
__________________ Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
Frabjous Days
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Booksnbabes Forum All-Star
Joined: July 20 2008 Location: N/A
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Posted: Nov 10 2008 at 6:21pm | IP Logged
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Praying!
__________________ Wife to wonderful DH, mom to SIX beautiful gifts from God!
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mariB Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 20 2006 Location: Vermont
Online Status: Offline Posts: 3815
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Posted: Nov 11 2008 at 4:42am | IP Logged
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Dear, Nissa, praying!
__________________ marib-Mother to 22ds,21ds,18ds,15dd,11dd and wife to an amazing man for 23 years
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donnalynn Forum All-Star
Joined: July 24 2006
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Posted: Nov 11 2008 at 8:36am | IP Logged
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Praying, Nissa
__________________ donnalynn
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Shari in NY Forum Pro
Joined: Nov 23 2005 Location: N/A
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Posted: Nov 11 2008 at 8:43am | IP Logged
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Praying, Nissa!
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teachingmyown Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 20 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Nov 11 2008 at 9:01am | IP Logged
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praying for your priests, your parish and a rise in vocations!
__________________ In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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MarieA Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 27 2006 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Nov 11 2008 at 12:08pm | IP Logged
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I'm praying for them and your parish.
Marie
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Carole N. Forum All-Star
Joined: Oct 28 2006 Location: Wales
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Posted: Nov 11 2008 at 1:12pm | IP Logged
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Praying, Nissa!
__________________ Carole ... in Wales
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hylabrook1 Forum Moderator
Joined: July 09 2006
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Posted: Nov 11 2008 at 3:17pm | IP Logged
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Praying for your parish and your priests, Nissa.
Peace,
Nancy
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