In Colby, Kan.

(Published Sept. 26, 2008) I started as pastoral associate at Sacred Heart Parish in Colby on July 1, 1996. It did not take long to begin to sense the warmth and caring of the people. When I arrived the pastor was on a two-week vacation so the secretary and parish minister helped to ease my way into the work. On the second day, I was driving the parish car when a city truck pulled in front of me causing a collision. Immediately people were there checking to see if anyone was hurt. Everyone was so helpful and concerned that it really touched my heart.

The pastor was scheduled to make a six-month sabbatical starting the first part of January. The Bishop asked if I would be the administrator until a new pastor could be assigned. After much thought and prayer I said “yes”. The parishioners were so beautiful and supportive.

In late spring, we were informed that a new pastor would be coming in July. That was welcome news for me! I was anxious to get back to my duties as an associate. I stayed for two more years and especially enjoyed working with the RCIA program and the music. It was such a joy to work with so many good, good people. We had a top-notch RCIA team who carried on after I left continuing to the present day.

The choir prepared special music for special feast days. The afternoon of Christmas Eve I fell on the ice near the rectory. I could not get up so I lay in the snow calling for help. The pastor heard me and carried me into the rectory. X-rays showed no broken bones but a severely pulled muscle. The doctor gave me orders not to go out of the house and not to walk on that leg. I was scheduled to direct the choir at Christmas Liturgy. Needless to say the choir carried on without me and did a fine job. There is much talent, generosity and giftedness among the people of Sacred Heart Parish.

In June of 1999 the parish sponsored a farewell dinner and program. The highlight of the program was a song composed and sung by Jeff Wagoner and his family. The title of the song is “God Sent Me an Angel” which told about the way God had used me to touch his life. My time in Colby was truly a blest time. It was hard to leave the people whom I grew to love deeply, but they will always be in my heart for their lives deeply touched my Inner Spirit.