The Entire Thought

WHERE THE RIVER FLOWS

ANOTHER PAGE OF ROUTT’S SALVATION HISTORY

INTRODUCING: BRIAN LEACH, Groundskeeper and Maintenance Man for Holy Name

You may not yet know Brian Leach but, if you came to Mass at Holy Name during the Easter season, you know his work. Brian is the artist who made the Easter cross which hung in Holy Name’s sanctuary from Easter to Pentecost. The integrity of this cross, however, is only a small glimpse into the integrity of its maker. When Francisco Biberos (a.k.a. “Cisco”) vacated his position and the house we had provided for him at the end of May, the parish staff began to pray. Someone suggested that I ask Brian to consider this job. When I did so, he accepted, and from that day he has been an answered prayer. But he’s not the only one…

Jim Lauter began the humble work of cleaning out the yellow house (behind the Good Shepherd House) with the valiant help of his nephew, Cole. Together with Brian they made some necessary repairs to the house. The parish wishes to thank them along with the following people who offered their assistance: Tom Lichtenfels, Ben Nowak, Ben Derringer, Katherine Higby, Byron Christensen, Bob Sabel, Paul Cook, John Porter, Phil Taber, John McArthur and Buck Chavarria. Even Brian’s father drove in from Pontiac, Illinois, to help with the project! We are thankful to all of these people for lending their support. But now, back to Brian Leach. He’s more than a wood artist; he’s a carpenter and a dedicated Catholic.

His company is called DEADWOOD INK, LLC, and if you want to see some other wood art he has done you can check out www.deadwoodink.com. If you’d like a glimpse of his carpentry skill just drop by the yellow house; chances are you’ll find him home with his faithful old companion, Jackson, the gentlest German Shepherd I’ve ever met. I’m sure Brian would be willing to show you the renovation, including the new staircase and furnishings he has custom-made for this unique house. But even if you don’t go out of your way, you are sure to see him around the parish grounds: cutting the grass on Fridays, attending to various maintenance needs, doing some carpentry tasks outside his house (with Jackson), or clearing the snow this winter. I invite you to walk up, introduce yourself, and welcome Brian and Jack to their new important role in our parish.

Many of the people listed above together with those who have helped us in the past form a sort of unofficial “Maintenance Crew!” They put a whole new spin on the phrase “building the kingdom of God.” Maybe you’d like to join them? If so, just let the office know and we’ll put you in touch with Brian. Getting to know him, I assure you, will be a blessing.

When I recently referred to him jokingly as St. Joseph, someone said, “That’s a pretty high standard to set for him.” But as I thought about it, there is an even higher standard to which God is calling him, and each one of us. Think about it: He’s thirty-three years old and he makes crosses! He has begun to serve our community humbly and cheerfully, along with so many others. I do not wish to embarrass him or single him out as more Christ-like than anyone else. I simply offer this reflection as another page in the story of Routt County’s salvation history. So many have gone before us who have been an answer to prayer. So many are in our midst right now, serving humbly, cheerfully and faithfully. But some are still hesitant, waiting in the back pews, so to speak, waiting for inspiration, or simply an invitation. The river of God’s grace-filled invitation is flowing. The riverbank may be the safest place; but the essence of a river is in its current.

In between the gospel readings of this and next Sunday, the Walker-on-Water assures his disciples, “It is I. Do not be afraid” (John 6:20).

Fr. Ernest Bayer

Entire list of Thoughts While Pastoring