April 17, 2009
People We Care About
Following is a feature in the Message, designed to help draw together the People of God in southwestern Indiana. Readers are invited to submit information about people who may benefit by some extra prayers and attention.
In a recent e-mail, Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger wrote,
“On Monday, Father Firmus called to happily inform me that he is in full remission. He was seeking permission to offer Mass in his home today! I was delighted to hear the news and instantly urged him to offer Mass in his home.
“Word on the wire has it that Father Graehler’s cancer is also in full remission. That, too, is super news!
“Father Raymie Schroering is in the nursing section of the Little Sisters after spending a couple of days in St. Mary’s. He has moved from the Villa Maria to the Little Sisters.
“Monsignor Hirsch is celebrating another birthday and remains in the nursing center at Holiday North across from his retirement village.
“Father Ray Reising continues on the mend after a ‘mild stroke’ experience. He spent a couple of weeks at Riverpoint before returning to his home where he is getting care.
“Father John Lefler continues at Woodmont Nursing Center in Boonville. Bob Hillenbrand is his caretaker and is doing a marvelous work on our behalf.
“Father Don Spaulding is pretty much confined to his home. Father Jim Koressel assists him as needed.
“Father Bob Deig is carrying on a ‘full time’ ministry at the Little Sisters and continues to hold his cancer in abeyance.
“Father Tim Tenbarge has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Due to his heart condition he is not eligible for surgery, however, he will begin a protocol of treatment which will include five weeks of radiation beginning with the next week or so. Please keep him in your prayers especially as he begins and undergoes his treatment.
“Special thanks to our retired brothers who are so central in providing weekly Eucharist to so many of our parishes. Without them, there would be many, many priestless Sundays in our parishes.”
Poor Clare Sister Maria D’Anna died Sunday, April 5.
She was born in 1917 to Salvatore and Mary (Formosa) D’Anna and baptized Anthonina Marie.
Sister Maria was a professed Sister of the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Oldenberg, Ind., and officially transferred to the Order of St. Clare Monastery, Evansville, in 1943, making a solemn profession in 1946.
She served in several capacities within the Poor Clare community, as formation directress, cook, seamstress, maker of priestly vestments and other Chapel adornments, artistry and music in singing.
The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated April 8.
Please send information for PEOPLE WE CARE ABOUT to Mary Ann Hughes, The Message, P.O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724. The e-mail address is mhughes@evansville-diocese.org.