As Deacon Mike Stohlman stood in front of the congregation at 10 o'clock Mass, he related the readings from the prophet Ezekiel to a modern day prophet, Martin Luther King Jr. He shared some lines from two of Rev. King's sermons and related how the good reverend questioned God's choosing him to be the messenger. King questioned if "He was able". Deacon Mike went on to relate how Martin Luther King might not have been able but that "God was and is always able."

This past spring the Men of Manresa prepared for their annual stage presentation of the last days of our Lord's life. This Passion play is based on scripture and is a joint effort of several organizations, mainly the families and friends of SCB's Men of Manresa and the Adult Choir. During rehearsals, several members noted outstanding performances by two individuals, of which Deacon Mike was one of them. The accompanying picture is a photo of Mike taken during one of those practices. In this scene Mike is one of Christ's apostles in the Upper Room. The flame represents the Holy Spirit that has come upon this gathered group of men.

Shortly after that rehearsal, Deacon Mike and his wife Patty lost their daughter Lindsay to an unexpected illness. Understandably, Mike was not able to participate in the play that was staged just after Lindsay's death, but his spirit was present and the play was dedicated to his entire family.

Deacon Mike and his lovely bride mourned their daughter and OUR loss. As Mike shared with many parishioners, "It takes a wonderful and loving community such as the one found here in Destrehan and in St. Charles Borromeo to raise a child, and an even stronger one to bury one."

Patty too shares that same faith and spirit as her deacon husband. Her weekly newspaper column that offers a humorous, down-to-earth examination of family life was missing for several weeks following Lindsay's passing, but when Patty made it back, she wooed us with her charm, her wit, and her insight. It was a very special column where she thanked everyone who prayed for her family and daughter. As she shared with the R.C.I.A. group many years ago, "It is not our will that be done but rather God's will."

Deacon Mike has preached at Sunday Mass several times since Lindsay's passing. As he prepares his homily in the weeks prior to its delivery, you can be sure that he is seeking true understanding of the sacred scripture and weaving it into the very fabric of his life. As he bows for the priest's blessing just before turning to read the Gospel, you know that he is praying that it is God's Word that is glorified at the lectern, not His humble minister. As he delivers the homily, you can look into his eyes to see the sincerity, and listen closely to his voice to hear the message of the Holy Spirit coming through the mouth and lips of one of our prophets. And after he urges us, at the end of Mass, to "go forth and serve the Lord, and one another," you see him quietly go forth to teach by example, regardless of the circumstances or the presumed level of ability.

The Spirit is alive in SCB in its parishioners, in its many lay ministers, in its priests, and in its deacons. And it shines quite brightly through this servant of God.

God bless you Mike and Patty, in all that you do for us and for all the lives that you touch in so many ways. The words don't always come easy and sometimes we need a jump start. But we are able because we have the likes of you to be examples of our Guiding Light. HIS light shines through you because you have shown us that "you are able"!

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