A sincere "thank you" to all who participated in our celebration of Fr. Chris' life and service last week. Whether you joined the Reception of the Body and Funeral Mass at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, visited St. Matthias for the post-funeral reception or attended the Memorial Mass last Wednesday, we hope you found healing in coming together as Fr. Chris' church family.

As the activities of last week played out, Fr. Chris would have been proud. The willingness of the parishes to pull together in a tough time; the willingness of parishioners to re-prioritize their time, take off work and pitch in where needed; and the willingness of people to provide refreshments and help out in ways seen and unseen are all examples of our growth as a regional parish family.

The sharing of kind words, subtle nods, warm gestures and knowing glances all during the week's activities spoke volumes about how Fr. Chris taught us to live and how to find life everlasting. May God bless your efforts to find comfort and strength in one another.