Welcome!
Whether you are a member, a regular attendee, or a first-time visitor, we are blessed to have you with us.
I write this week’s bulletin letter with a heavy heart. On Monday, the Reverend Tom Graf, our beloved honorary assistant priest, died after a long struggle with cancer. Father Tom’s primary ministry was as Director of Pastoral Care Services and Chaplains at Bethesda Hospitals East and West. For the past year, Fr. Tom and his wife Isabel have been members of St. Paul’s.
Fr. Tom was attending the annual meeting of the Association of Professional Chaplains in Orlando and was taken by rescue to the hospital to be treated for acute complications related to his cancer diagnosis. He underwent emergency surgery on Friday, June 21 and remained in the intensive care unit until Monday, when he was called to God’s greater glory. He retained his gracious demeanor, sense of humor, and unshakable faith until the very end. Funeral arrangements are pending.
As I think about Fr. Tom’s legacy, I can’t help think about the importance of pastoral care to the sick and homebound. Here at St. Paul’s, in addition to the pastoral care provided by our clergy, we are blessed with wonderful ministries like our Lay Eucharistic Ministers, our Stephen Ministers, and our Lay Healing Ministers, who provide prayerful support and comfort to those who are hurting. Please pray for these ministries and please prayerfully consider if, perhaps, you may be called to this type of ministry.
Blessings in the Risen Christ,
Fr. Paul+