August 9

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

2026 has been a bit of a challenge for me, particularly in dealing with some family things, especially concerning my father’s health. I deeply appreciate everyone’s care and concern, as well as the many prayers and well-wishes along the way. But I think it’s important to give a more general update and I hope this week’s letter will serve well in that regard.

First, I’d like to make a small clarification from my previous letter addressing my dad’s health. I know that I was somewhat curt in what I said and asked for, particularly for privacy. It’s not that I wanted to hide what was going on, but it was a complicated thing for a variety of factors. Having to deal with other parishioners’ health information on a regular basis, due to HIPAA, generally speaking, I’m not in a position to share other people’s info, plain and simple. And additionally, it is true; if one person asks me about something, it is very likely that multiple people will ask the same question as well. And I know that anyone and everyone that has asked about my dad has done so from a place of love and concern, but the reality is that it can be a bit daunting to deal with over time. And so, thank you for your patience in that way with me and with my family over the past several months.

To the actual update itself: for the sake of brevity and in consideration of those that don’t like to read a lot of medical stuff, here’s the basic snapshot. My dad has had Type II Diabetes for over 30 years. It’s a long, progressive disease, that even when it’s well managed, comes with complications. There was an issue with his one foot and major surgery was needed. After a lengthy recovery period, he has now healed enough to begin the work of going back to regular life, with the aid of a prosthetic. He has just finished a stint of in-facility rehab with it and he will continue to receive at home physical therapy for some time as he learns and adapts to this new chapter in his life. My dad is strong; both in will and in body, and we have every confidence that he’ll be able to get back to a ‘new normal’ in the next several months, to the point where he should be able to get back to St. Charles for Mass and to even get back to driving himself to and fro.

And so, without getting into it, it’s been a lot. My family and I are deeply appreciative of the outpouring of love and concern that we’ve experienced from the parish community. I often note to new parishioners and visitors to our parish that St. Charles is a ‘warm and welcoming’ place, and so it is. Thanks for wrapping my family in your love and prayers these past months.

Peace and Goodness,

Fr. Dan