Dear Fellow Parishioners, How lucky we are to have families that are part of our journey through life, beyond the family we are born into. We have our biological family, and we also have our parish family. For me as a priest, I also journey with my brother priests. I have encouraged us all to make sure we have someone who walks with us on our spiritual journey. How fortunate I am to be part of an Emmaus group with three other priests who have been meeting monthly for almost 40 years! The support we offer each other is incredible. Knowing that they are there and just a phone call away between meetings is a gift.
Beyond the four of us, we know that the priests of our Diocesan presbyterate (formal name) are on a journey together as we minister to the people of our Diocese and to one another. Sadly, on Saturday we lost a beloved member of our diocesan family. With great sadness I share that Fr. Dennis O’Brien has died. Some of you will remember him when he was here at Sacred Heart with Fr. George (then Bishop) Rueger. I am sure many of you who knew Fr. Dennis have lots of stories racing through your mind.
I have known Dennis since 1970 when we were studying in the seminary together. He was a hoot. He always had a positive outlook on life, a wonderful sense of humor and a great big laugh. We studied for biology tests together and he would always rant and rave, “I am going to be a priest, why do we have to know the bones, organs, or what ever chapter we were on?” When I would reply that we already studied this in high school - it’s just review, Dennis always had a comeback, “I went to Catholic School, we didn’t have to know this!” I did not go to Catholic school, but I am sure he had Biology. I know that I will always treasure my “Dennis memories.”
How lucky we are to have our extended families! Let us make sure we thank them for being on the life journey with us. May Fr. Dennis O’Brien be welcomed to the banquet in heaven. I am sure he will liven up the conversation! Fr. Bill