2014 Reunion Momentum Mounting

The response to the invitation for our class reunion in Dallas, Texas, in October 2014 has been good.  To date, the following have indicated that they are planning to attend:

• Fr. Dan Clayton
• John and Loretto Dahmus
• Fr. Tom Devereaux
• John and Kathy Driscoll
• John Ernst (if health allows)
• Frank and Judy Fulkerson
• Norm and Linda Hageman
• Mike Heydinger
• Fr. Frank Kehres
• Fr. Ger Knueven
• Fr. Jim Koenigsfeld
• Thad and Donna Kresho
• Tom and Chris Meyer
• Don and Betty Wampach

Doug Kruse and Dale Schmitz have expressed their strong interest.  Bishop Ron Herzog had saved the dates for our class reunion in his calendar.  Hopefully, if he continues to experience good recovery following his stroke, he will still be able to attend in October.

The following have conveyed their "regrets": Ron Langhals, Steve Lautermilch, Sam Pezzillo, Bob Sefchech, and Len Weber.

In the meantime, Fr. Dan has been vetting some sights and restaurants for our reunion and is evolving a preliminary outline for our enjoyment and time together.  Dan and I have discussed ideas and used each other as a sounding board several times over the past 3-4 months.  Look for additional details to be coming to you in the mail very soon.

Chicagoland Joss Alumni Reunion Continues to Amaze

Once again Don and Betty Wampach hosted the 39th Annual Chicagoland Joss Alumni Reunion at their home in Naperville, IL, on March 16, 2014.  The reunion opened with an intimate home liturgy at 3:00 pm.  Fr. Dick Kramer (Class of '66) presided as principal celebrant and Fr. Dan Clayton (Class of '68) and Fr. Paul Hottinger (Class of '75) were concelebrants.  The usual group picture followed liturgy, with multiple cameras clicking.  The picture-taking was held indoors in the warmth of Don and Betty's family room rather than outdoors in the frozen tundra of Chicagoland.  (The tundra was too cold for the likes of Chris and me who drove up from North Carolina.)  Once this tradition was dispensed with, we helped ourselves to delicious edibles and refreshing libations.  Some of us even sought a second helping.  Of course, there was an abundance of desserts.  Yet, primarily, conversation, sharing, and laughter marked our gathering and showcased our steadfast friendships.  All of us who were in attendance give a shout out, in gratitude, to Don and Betty for hosting this gathering once again.

Present from the Class of '68 were Fr. Dan Clayton, John and Kathy Driscoll, Mike Heydinger and his granddaughter Kali, Tom and Chris Meyer, and Don and Betty Wampach.  Mike Fry (Class of '85) drove up from the Josephinum as alumni relations representative.  Also, we were surprised by the appearance of Bob Murray (Class of '69) and his wife Katie.  We enjoyed sharing and catching up with them.

Mike and Don absent from this photo because they, of course, were snapping pictures.

On the previous afternoon, March 15, Don introduced those of us with the Class of '68, along with Mike Fry, to Bally Doyle Irish Pub in Downers Grove, IL.  Since this Irish pub was a popular locale for celebrating St. Patrick's Weekend, it was rockin'.  Once we finished our dinners, since we were having difficulty hearing one another across the table, we returned to Don and Betty's house for a quiet evening.  The pub was amping up for a live performance.

Bishop Ron Herzog Recovering

In early March Bishop Ron Herzog, Diocese of Alexandria (Louisiana), was hospitalized following a stroke.  Don Wampach and Mike Heydinger relayed this news to a number of us.  The complications initially reported were paralysis and speech impairment.  Our concern for Ron immediately peaked.  As Bishop Ron's secretary kept Don updated, we were learning that Ron was showing slow, but progressive, recovery.  Then, on April 7, he underwent surgery to open his right carotid artery; the immediate report was assuredly positive.  His artery was "now 100% clear."  Upon discharge from acute care, Ron was transferred into a rehabilitation unit.  Today we received the best news yet from Bishop Ron's secretary:

"The latest good news is that on Monday of this week, Bishop Herzog was released from Christus-Cabrini to return to his residence at Canterbury House.  He will continue therapy as an out-patient at Cabrini Rehabilitation Center.  His progress has been steady and he is moving more independently day by day with the use of a cane.  He is negotiating steps with handrails at the therapy center and is honing his hand-skills through occupational therapy.  He will be happy to receive visitors for limited amounts of time.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers.  As always, he thanks everyone with a most sincere note of appreciation for all of the kindnesses received."

Let us continue to pray for Ron's full recovery so that he will be able to resume his inspiring pastoral care for all the People of God in the Diocese of Alexandria.  We also hope he will still be able to join us at our class reunion in the Big D in October.