Around The Diocese For Feb. 28

Merger Committee

“It is with great joy today that I inform you of the progress we are making toward our goal of bringing our parishes together,” writes Father Kenneth Walker, pastor of the four Martin County parishes.

“The Parish Councils have been meeting with the primary charge of selecting two members from each parish to serve on the Merger Committee.

“The diocese has compiled a manual to follow for the Merger Committee that was taken from a number of other dioceses who have already gone through the merger process. The Merger Committee will use the manual as a guide, taking the very best from each of the parishes and incorporating them into our new St. John the Evangelist Parish July 1, 2014.

“Deacon [William] Consley and myself will also serve on the committee and we will be seeking your input as the process unfolds. Among your daily intentions, please pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we go forward.”

The Martin County parishes include St. John in Loogootee, St. Joseph in Bramble, St. Mary in Shoals, and St. Martin in Whitfield.

Committee members include Jill Wininger and Tom McAtee, St. John; Dayne Holder and Kathy Wittmer, St. Joseph; Aggie Cooper and Bruce Hawkins, St. Mary, and John Fegan and Vonda Elliott, St. Martin.

Happy Birthday!

Father August Busch of Evansville, a retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville, celebrates his birthday March 4. He resides at 5221 New Harmony Rd., Evansville IN 47720.

Deacon Dick Grannan celebrates his birthday March 8.

Deacon Michael Burns celebrates his birthday March 10.

Deacon David Cook of St. Benedict Cathedral, Evansville, celebrates his birthday March 11.

Anniversary of ordination

Father Joseph Kane, a retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville, was ordained to the priesthood March 11, 1967.

Eagle Scout

Reece Beckman, the son of Dr. Dean and Vicki Beckman, has earned the Eagle Scout award. An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held at Holy Family Parish in Jasper.

For his Eagle Scout project, he built a gazebo in the courtyard at Holy Family school and dedicated it to his grandfather, former Troop 185 scoutmaster Chuck Beckman.

Martin County

anniversaries

Congratulations to couples in Martin County parishes celebrating February anniversaries.

• St. Martin Parish, Whitfield: Ron and Carol Boyd, 42 years; Mike and Helen Burris, 43 years; Tim and Alice Strange, 61 years;

• St. John Parish, Loogootee: Ward and Sharon Smith, 51 years; Greg and Judy Rasico, 51 years; Nelson and Mary Ann Elliott, 56 years; Roy and Mary C. Byrer, 51 years; George and Mary Kay Patterson, 57 years; George and Jeanette Templin, 54 years; Jim and Mary Ann Vance, 47 years; Tom and Carla Williams, 46 years;

• St. Joseph Parish, Bramble: David and Jeanne Davidson, 58 years; David and Mary Jane Lengacher, 44 years.

Stewards of the Vineyard

Kevin, Lisa, Alexa and Cole Fleck are named “Stewards of the Vineyard in the parish newsletter for the Catholic Community of North Spencer.

“Our hats are off to you for living your faith at home, at church, in the workplace and community!”