My Dear Parish Family,
Thirty years ago, when Sheila and I were expecting our youngest, Annie, we were actively searching for a parish home, one in which we could worship, but also a spiritual home that would nourish and strengthen our family, through deep friendships and service. We knew from the moment we first stepped into St. Genevieve Church that God was calling us here. St Genevieve-St. Maurice Parish remains truly our home and will always be.
Recently, I received some news that was a great surprise to Sheila and myself.
In July, I was diagnosed with M.S.A. (multiple system atrophy), an incurable neuromuscular disease similar to A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s disease) with similar symptoms to Parkinson’s Disease.
Some of the symptoms I currently experience are tremors, extreme cervical and lumbar pain, dizziness and vertigo when walking/standing, slurred speech, just to name a few. These symptoms will increase and the prognosis is poor.
With working from home due to the pandemic, most of the work has been sitting at my desk, utilizing the computer, video conferences, and the phone. The few ‘face to face’ meetings, thus far have been no problem, especially Zoom.
With the tremors and dizziness while walking, my neurologist has prescribed a cane for me, and has advised me to avoid excessive public appearances that may include excessive walking, standing, and anything with multiple steps to avoid falling as I am on blood thinners also. It also saddens me to ask for permission to limit my duties at my assignment of St. Genevieve-St. Maurice Parish as there are many hard tiled steps in the sanctuary. I have kept our pastor Fr. Tom updated.
This is difficult to face and share with each of you, however Sheila and I experience God’s grace in new and profound ways each day, and we take comfort in knowing that Jesus and Our Lady are always with us. I humbly ask your prayers for me in the days ahead, for my wife Sheila and our family. It is scary but I hope in the promise that Jesus is most near to me in my suffering. Please know of my prayers for you and offering this up for you and the good of this parish.
St Genevieve has been my spiritual home for 30 years. It where our three adult children went to school, where we have worshipped, and where I have deeply loved serving as your deacon.
Humbly Yours In Christ Always,
Deacon Kevin