Deacon Joseph Kerns, Memory Eternal

Dear Deacon Joseph,

We miss you, we love you, we can't believe you were struck down, we are in shock. We grieve for you, for ourselves, for your family, and especially for your beloved wife.

We feel your presence, your strength, your generosity. We regret not having spent more time with you in this busy life that can be abruptly ended without warning of any kind.

An accident.

A one-in-a-million chance. "And it happened to us," says your young friend who was with you.

A life richly lived in the great dance with other people, sharing and serving, a kind presence, help for the weak, help for the community, help for the church.

Now we must help each other and make sure that your spirit of helping and generosity is echoed.

You were always kind. I never heard a harsh word from you. Thank you for sharing your wonderful self with us, we deeply miss you.

God is with us.

Auriel