| As Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina sat in the Sistine Chapel during the conclave of 2013 and realized that he would be the next pope, his friend, Cardinal Hummes of Brazil who sat next to him, leaned over and whispered, “Don’t forget the poor.” |
| Sherry was born in Central Missouri in the 1940s, the only child of hardworking, faith filled parents. She was educated at Catholic schools in Jefferson City, and, upon graduating, she went to nursing school to launch a career in health care. She had a love for beaches and water, so she moved to South Florida where she made a modest living and dedicated herself to patients of the United States Veterans Administration Hospital. |
| She developed friends easily because she was genuinely interested in people, especially those who dealt with tough challenges. Like many heart-landers, she also loved nature, animals, and underdogs. When her parents’ age led to their diminished lifestyle, she moved back to Missouri to be closer and assist them. In Kansas City, she continued working with the V. A. Hospital, heading the psych unit and helping families of veterans. She joined Saint James Parish in midtown and offered additional time and energy to various projects around town. She had a big heart for AIDS patients, rescue animals, immigrants, and former inmates released into society with little guidance or support. From Wayside Waifs to Journey to New Life and other agencies she carried out corporeal works of mercy. |
| When she died late last year, she left over $150,000 to Saint James Parish in hopes that, as one of the last remaining Catholic churches in our urban core, we would continue to promote Christ’s outreach where it can make a valuable impact. Her cousin and his son, who carried out Sherry’s wishes, were incredibly kind, prayerful, and thoughtful in honoring her will. I am writing this story for a couple of reasons. One is because two of the three parishes I serve in Kansas City’s core have, at various junctures over the past quarter century, barely survived getting closed because of suffocating finances, as happened to over a dozen Catholic churches in the area in the past fifty years. Not many Catholics live in our inner-city neighborhoods, so we look to outside support for operating expenses as well as social services to the poor who dwell nearby. A second reason I relay the story is to encourage you to follow Sherry’s example, if you’re able, by dedicating assets to your parish or another place that seeks to advance religious faith or that puts faith into action by helping to create a better community for us all. |
| I am so impressed by the generosity of people throughout our metropolitan area who support food pantries, thrift shops, senior centers, hospice houses, children’s centers, second-chance sites, and other social agencies that support and encourage underdogs to make it on their own. It is such a wonderful feeling for those who work among the destitute to know that we’re not doing it alone—so many people are helping in ways they can and through means they have. Like many of you, I believe that where the need is greatest, our response should be strongest. Though the church must ration priests to go where Catholics live, it is reassuring to know that other people of goodwill are willing to bring spiritual, social, and sacramental support to those who suffer. |
| Sherry’s gift was an amazing boost to a struggling parish. I want to thank all of you who, like her, don’t forget the poor. |
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