After 19 years as a deacon at St. Thomas the Apostle, Deacon Larry will begin semi-retirement effective June 1. Senior Status means he will retain his faculties as a deacon but will no longer be assigned to St. Thomas or be a member of the staff. Going forward he will be available when needed and able to assist any parish in the diocese.

Besides his normal responsibilities at St. Thomas, Deacon Larry was active in prison ministry, Pax Christi, OCIA, All Saints Catholic Academy and Edward Hospital where he was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his work with hospitalized veterans. He also provided spiritual counseling at Linden Oaks Hospital as well as presiding at many communion services at area nursing homes. At the request of then governor Pat Quinn, Deacon Larry offered the opening and closing prayers at Illinois’ Gold Star Family ceremony held at Navy Pier.

Larry’s last Mass at St. Thomas will be at 9:30 am Sunday, May 26 where he will offer the homily. A reception in the Gym will follow.

Please keep Deacon Larry and his wife, Susan, in your prayers.

And please consider becoming a deacon at St. Thomas. With Deacon Larry‘s retirement we are down to one active Deacon, Deacon Joe Cuzzone.