Homily
from Vigil Service
for
Bob Vatter
by
Rod Amon
About 3 years ago, I got a strange
e-mail from someone named Bob Vatter. He told me he was on his way to becoming a
deacon and would like me to think about being his mentor. I had only been
ordained a year myself and for a time I thought someone was messing with
me.
I checked with Fr. Bill Lugger and
he told me that Bob was indeed a candidate and that we should get along
well. So I decided to give this a
try.
Bob and I met at a restaurant for
the first meeting. I could tell then that this guy was for
real.
The more we talked the more it
became apparent to me that Bob was going to be an excellent
Deacon.
All about Bob was genuine. He was
very involved at the parish. There wasn’t much that went on that he did not know
about. He told me many times that he enjoyed everything he did at St Casimir,
whether it was serving, being a lector, even if he had to wash windows, he was
happy. Serving others is a sign of a true Deacon.
Yet through all this, Bob was
humble, not wanting much time in the spot light. I think that is an important
trait for a Deacon to have.
I also realized how much Bob cared
for his family. His eyes would sparkle when he told me about John and James his
sons. Bob is very proud of you. Always remember that.
The eyes really lit up when he spoke
of Jill. From the way he spoke of you I knew he was deeply in love with you.
Your infectious laugh will always remind me of you and Bob.
When we were together, Bob tended to
Jill’s’ needs very well. Jill, he was always smiling when you were around.
Bob loved his Detroit Tigers even
though I never could understand why. I remember him preaching in class and using
them as an example. He never gave up on them as bad as they could get. True
caring. He also loved the Lions and almost had me converted back to
them.
The MSU Spartans were also his team
no matter the sport.
I know that Bob and Jill did some
hospital ministry. That can be very tough to do. Yet I know that despite what
they may have encountered, those they visited got what they needed and more
because Bob and Jill were Jesus tending the children of
God.
Bob’s not being ordained did not
stop him from sharing the words of God with everyone. I was proud of what I
heard him preach. His messages were always clear even when he was nervous. He
knew that it was not his will but that of God that propelled him on his mission
of service.
This is the Stole of a Deacon. Bob,
you truly earned this. You were Deacon Bob along time ago.
Bob you are my friend. When you
have friends like Bob, make sure
that you spend as much time with them as you can.
The world will be different without
you there to all of us, especially your family and the extended family you have
acquired just by being you.
But we all know that you are in a better place, and Jesus has ordained you Deacon Bob. Rest in the peace of Christ my brother, my friend.