To Celebrate a Life of Love: F. Michael Oakes
November 24, 1940-January 17, 2021
Fredrick Michael Oakes known as Mike, passed away on January 17th, 2021 at 3:15 am, the Hour of Mercy. He was 80 years old. Mike was born in Coral Ridge, Kentucky and was raised in Fairdale by parents Archie and Christine Oakes. He married his bride, Pamela Abrams, at 17 years of age. Mike and Pam celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on October 4th, 2020.
Mike is a proud graduate of the University of Louisville. He was an avid college sports fan. Never missed a Louisville football or basketball game. His Kentucky family members would send him articles about UofL from the Courier Journal, so he was up to date on the happenings with his team!
Mike loved his family deeply. He always embraced an opportunity to be with his four children and many grandchildren. He loved his Kentucky family and friends as well. He traveled back to Kentucky yearly to see everyone. Mike was a kind man and treated everyone with respect; always offering words of encouragement. His gentle spirit will be missed.
Mike had a long career in the insurance industry in various positions starting with Aetna Casualty & Surety and ending as a Marine Adjuster/Litigation Specialist through Crawford & Company Houston, Texas.
Mike is survived by his wife, Pamela R. Abrams Oakes; son, Michael Oakes (Jeannie); daughter, Gigi Kershner (Daniel); daughter, Maria Lisa Poole (Dana); daughter, Gina Korsi (Richard); sister, Caroline French (Larry); grandchildren: Tori Poole, Shelby Korsi Olson, Samantha Oakes, Jeremy Korsi (Kayla), Mickala “Micki” Oakes, Kyle Kershner; chosen grandchildren: Chase Kershner, Michael Devon (Haley), Patrick Devon; great-grandchildren: Evan Olson and Baylee Korsi.
Due to COVID-19, the family has elected to have a private ceremony on February 4th at Porter Loring North and the burial, February 5th at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. We thank you for your prayers as we lay our loving Father to rest.
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
A Word of God
“Teach me your ways, O Lord.” In this week’s Scripture readings, we learn that one of the “ways” is repentance. The people of Nineveh certainly changed their ways when Jonah announced their destruction in 40 days! According to this story, God’s mind changed when their actions showed that they had turned from their evil ways. The change that we call repentance is also the change that we call conversion. The people of Nineveh turn from whatever separated them from God because the prophet Jonah announced the consequences of their evil ways.
Likewise in Mark’s Gospel, we hear some of the first recorded words in Jesus’ beginning ministry. “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Again, the way is one of repentance. It also requires that we leave everything behind that distracts us from making God the center of our lives or that presents an obstacle to our new mission to believe in and LIVE the gospel. Indifference (to injustice, suffering), silence and complicity, selfishness, neglect of our neighbor—none of these are part of the new way, the new path. Followers of Jesus know that living a Christian life is a continuous process of discernment and formation. This weekend again, we have the opportunity to discern the path, the way that we are being called to live. What must we leave behind in order to continue our baptismal journey? What are some of the evil ways, the social sins that we need to repent of? What are some concrete things that we can do to show that we love God above all?
Together, we ask: “Teach us your ways, O Lord.” For this let us work and pray!
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wake Up Call
What are you looking for? Where are you staying? Come and see! In John’s gospel this weekend we hear about succession and a transfer of power. John transitions his followers into being followers of Jesus by first naming Jesus as Teacher. Jesus then asks Andrew: What are you looking for? Perhaps Andrew was befuddled and like most of us today answers the question with another question—Where are you staying? Jesus responds with strong, but inviting action words—Come and see! And they stayed with Jesus. And Jesus changed their names!
Imagine that Jesus is asking us the same question: What are you looking for? For yourself? For your family? For our parish community? For our country? Can you STAY with Jesus and let Jesus inform you? Where do you go to “come and see?”
This conversation is really about discernment—seeking new information from reliable teachers, seeing and listening with a new, inquiring spirit and the openness to hear challenges, often beyond our understanding at the moment. It is about searching for what God wants of us, for us.
Many of us are overwrought with fear of COVID and with concern for what’s happening in the transfer of power in our country after a difficult election period. These are life-changing times and hopefully we are asking Jesus where Jesus is staying today, in all of this conflict and confusion. Are we taking the time to “come and see” what Jesus is revealing to us in all of this?
In the other “call” narrative we hear this weekend, Samuel hears a call in his dreams. His response is quick and repetitive. Three times he mistakes who the caller is and confidently responds: “Here I am. You called me.” It is Eli who convinces Samuel to respond differently with “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Eli understood that this call was coming from the Lord. Eli helped Samuel to discern this call and what it meant. Samuel’s response changed and the words he used mattered.
We learn that the young Samuel grew up and the Lord was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.
Eli’s guidance provides a different perspective, not simply Samuel’s own thinking of what his response should be. Samuel announces to the Lord that he is listening and that he is listening to the voice of God in everything, at all times. He listens with humility and a desire to serve God, rather than his own interests, and the Lord blesses Samuel, “not permitting any word of his to be without effect.”
Can we be like Samuel? After listening and discernment, seeking different perspectives, what words do we choose to use? Words matter! May our words have the Lord’s blessing!
The Baptism of the Lord
Come to the Water
Last year on this feast, Pope Francis reminded us of several things!
We rediscover our own Baptism in the Feast of the Baptism. Just as Jesus is the Beloved Son of the Father, we too, reborn by water and the Holy Spirit, know we are loved children—the Father loves us all!—the object of God’s satisfaction, brothers and sisters of many brothers and sisters, assigned with a great mission to bear witness and proclaim the Father’s boundless love to all mankind. -Pope Francis, Angelus, January 12, 2020
Several years ago at SFA, we attached paper drops of water to a tree branch across from our baptismal font. Written on them were our names and the date and place of our Baptism. Some were able to do this quickly; others had to do substantial research! What we all learned from this activity was a renewed sense of what Pope Francis says—we rediscovered our own Baptism. In doing that, we also spent time reflecting on the meaning of this sacrament and both the grace and the responsibility that comes from reception of the sacrament. What does it mean to be reborn by water? By the Holy Spirit? What are we being reborn to—in our being and in our actions? When do we know that we are the object of God’s satisfaction? That we are beloved? Baptism makes us brothers and sisters to many brothers and sisters. When are we most aware of that? When do we forget? And when do we fulfill our mission of bearing witness and proclaiming the Father’s boundless love to all? Jesus spent his life fulfilling His mission of compassionate care for those often “left out” or avoided, for those who did not have access, and those with need for healing. Our Baptism calls us to that same mission, one that requires us to come to the water. May we be blessed in our efforts!
Palm Sunday
The Epiphany of the Lord
Stars of Light
We are drawn to light. We seek light in the darkness. So many of us eagerly waited to see the “Christmas Star” that graced our vision just before Christmas. Did we imagine the star that guided the Magi?
The Magi followed the light of a star to find the light of the world, Jesus. Who or what has lit the way for you, guided you toward Jesus, shown you the love and mercy of God, and helped you to see Christ in all people?
St. Paul reminds us that the star’s light shines on each and every person, unique and precious in God’s eyes. No exceptions! Jews and Gentiles, women and men, people of all skin color tones are the recipients of God’s light. Do we search for the light in persons who are different—who look different, who think differently, who love differently, who believe differently?
God warned the Magi not to return to Herod because he knew what was in Herod’s heart. Herod feared the light. Jealousy and greed kept him from an encounter with Jesus. Jealousy and greed led to his desire to eliminate Jesus, resulting in the slaughter of many innocent children. How does jealousy and greed distract us, even desiring to extinguish the light, the life in others?
The Magi, following God’s warning, went home by a different path. Pope Francis, in recent publications, reminds us that the pandemic has brought us to a crossroads too. We have the opportunity to choose a different path. Pope Francis says we must use this decisive moment to end our superfluous and destructive goals and activities and to cultivate values, connections, and activities that are life-giving. Many of us have used the time we have been given to read, to educate ourselves about differences, to think differently—to choose a different path, to find another way home. Even the home we know has changed.
When God reveals to our understanding something of God’s self, we call this gift an epiphany. Where will the star lead us? What path, what different way home will we find and follow? Who will be our companions on this journey? Will our light attract others to follow the same path?
May we be epiphanies to each other, overflowing with love and extravagant care for each other. Make us shining stars that lead others to Jesus! For this, let us all work and pray!
To Celebrate a Life of Love: Arlene Kreitz Hengst
November 11, 1931-December 19, 2020
Arlene Kreitz Hengst entered eternal rest December 19, 2020 at the age of 89.She met the love of her life, Lawrence Hengst, at a local dance. She often told her children that she loved Larry’s beautiful blue eyes and his dancing skills. They were married 50 years, during which time she supported and assisted her husband’s homebuilding company while raising 4 children. She worked tirelessly for her children as a room mother and PTA member. As her children grew, she and Larry volunteered many hours with the Churchill High School Band Parents in support of group and individual performance and competition.
As a devout Catholic, Arlene lived her faith in many ways. She was one of the founding members of Blessed Sacrament and Holy Spirit parishes in San Antonio. She shared her gift of music as a church organist and choir member and lector. After suffering the loss of her son Ross in 1976, she offered compassion and a listening ear to many who suffered similar losses. She was a natural caretaker to anyone who needed help, especially in the care of her parents and in-laws in the last years of their lives. She spent her last years as a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in San Antonio.
Arlene’s greatest joy in the second half of her life was being Grammy to her grandchildren. She loved to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and everyday life with joy and generosity. Whether taking the children camping, attending school concerts, or shipping surprise gifts by way of the ‘big brown truck,’ her best day was any day she got to speak to or hug one of her family members.
Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry and son Ross Alan Hengst. She is survived by children Lawrence Wayne Hengst of San Antonio, Karen Hengst May and husband Doug of McKinney, TX, Dianne Patricia Hengst of San Antonio, daughter-in-law Donna Nicol Hengst of San Antonio and grandchildren Ryan Hengst of San Antonio, Melissa Hengst of Las Vegas, NV, Allison May of Reno, NV and Caralyn May of McKinney, TX.
The funeral Mass will be held Monday, December 28, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A graveside service will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Mausoleum and Cemetery. For those wishing to attend services virtually, you may do so at https://youtu.be/LcX-2RRM7eo.
To Celebrate a Life of Love: Mary Louise Grassl Aldrich
Mary Louise Grassl Aldrich, age 84, of San Antonio, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 11, 2020 after courageously battling dementia for the past 5 years.
She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Sam Aldrich Jr.; daughter Susan McKinney and husband James; two grandsons, Cody McKinney and wife Erin, and Wade McKinney and husband Kyle; two great-granddaughters, Kiley and Addison McKinney; sisters, Bernice McLendon and Betty Earl; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as her furry family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes Josephine and Vincent Paul. Grassl; son, Michael Andrew “Andy” Aldrich; four brothers-in-law, Bobby R. Earl, G.W. McLendon, Morris Repass, and Albert Christie; and three sisters-in-law Frances Aldrich, Lieux Dressler (Louise-Aldrich), and Esther Christie.
Mary Louise graduated 1955 from Providence High School in San Antonio, TX. She decided to establish roots in San Antonio, TX as a loving wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma. Her main focus in life was ensuring that her family and friends felt loved by her. She approached each day with a positive attitude and was able to spread happiness to everyone she came in contact with.
She enjoyed entertaining, traveling, and laughing with family and friends. She loved new experiences and was always ready to travel to some of her favorite places such as Lake Tahoe, Vegas, and Colorado with her loved ones. One of her favorite things to do was going to see her favorite entertainer, Wayne Harper, where she would enjoy listening to music and dancing way past her bedtime with family and friends. Her positivity was contagious and she was always full of love and laughter.
Mary Louise will forever be missed and always be remembered for the love she gave to her family and friends.
Special thanks to the caregivers at The Etta at Shavano Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dementia Society of America. A donation can be made at the following link: https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate.
The Rosary and Funeral Mass were held at St. Francis of Assisi on December 23, 2020.
To Celebrate a Life of Love: Morris Duane Tallmon
February 26, 1946-December 18, 2020
How do you describe a hero?
An unyielding devotion to life’s most important priorities: faith in Jesus Christ, the importance of family, and service to country.
Born on February 26, 1946 in Corsicana, Texas, to Etha and James Tallmon, Morris was a mountain of a man, and to simply be in the presence of Morris was to know that these were what mattered most to him. The very embodiment of courage, humility, and discipline, Morris was as much at home around the dinner table with his family, sharing his tremendous wit and one liners, as he was on the gun range. A special forces paratrooper during the Vietnam War, Morris carried the banner of freedom proudly. Though a few stories were told, most will go forgotten, thanklessly fading with the passing of time, and that’s the way Morris would have wanted it. His selfless sacrifice for the red, white, and blue was eclipsed only by the way he served and cherished his wife and family.
Together, Morris and Brenda shared their journey with other aspiring couples as marriage sponsors at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Indeed, St. Francis was a spiritual home he cherished immensely and a place where he himself encountered the love of God through the Roman Catholic Church. Not only did Morris have his conversion to the Church take place at St. Francis, but he would go on leading countless other men to the faith through ACTS and as a sponsor for RCIA.
Though in his final months Morris suffered greater than most, he did so with a strength and grace inspiring to all. There was nothing he could not do or would not do, especially when it was in service to someone else, until the day he no longer could.
Morris’ legacy of service and love lives on in his beloved spouse Brenda, children, grandchildren, and extended family. Saint Paul’s words in the Second Letter to Timothy encapsulate Morris’ final moments and what he would want us to remember:
“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.”
To Celebrate a Life of Love: Barbara B. Van Haute
November 29, 1938 – December 25, 2020
Preceded in death by husband, Julien C. Van Haute. Survived by children: Thomas (Janet), Richard (Mary), Robert (Cathy), Julie Mellin (Mark), and James (Jennifer); siblings, Judith Rice (Charles), and Jean Determan (James); sister-in-law, Carol Van Haute; grandchildren: Thomas (Mallory), Vincent (fiancée, Emily), Nicholas, Nathan, John, Alexa, Jacqueline, Samuel, Jenna, Beau, Lucas, Kayla, Andrew, Cole, and Daniel; and one great-grandchild, Cameron.
VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Monday, December 28, from 5 pm to 7 pm at St. Bernadette Catholic Church (7600 S. 42nd St.), with VIGIL SERVICE at 7 pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, December 29, at 10:30 am, St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Bernadette Church, Gross Catholic High School, and St. Vincent de Paul Society.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the home page.