Grateful Thanks to Deacon Fred Haehnel and Prayerful Best Wishes into Retirement

        I suppose it’s official.  Deacon Fred talked with me a few weeks ago.  Then I received a copy of the letter sent to Deacon Fred, dated June 19, 2023, from Archbishop Rozanski. 

 

Dear Deacon Fred,

I have received word through Deacon Christopher Ast of your request to retire from active diaconal Ministry, and I hereby grant this request.

…Deacon Ast has informed me of your desire to continue assisting with ministry when you are able, with the support of the pastor of St. Peter Parish in Saint Charles.  Therefore, I grant you the status of retirement with faculties, effective August 1, 2023.

Thank you for your 14 years of invaluable service to the Archdiocese of St. Louis.  I hope and pray that your days of retirement will be a time of rest and reflection, and that you are able to enjoy time with your family and friends.

Please be assured of my continued prayers for you and your health during this time of transition, and I pray this incoming season brings you blessings and peace.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski

Archbishop of St. Louis

 

I am so very grateful for Deacon Fred’s years of ministry here at St. Peter Church. 

⁕     Deacon Fred most notably served in the ministries of “hatch, match, and dispatch”

•    Hatch – Baptizing children / and giving instruction to the young couples presenting their infant children for baptism.

•    Match – Witnessing marriages / and helping these   engaged couples prepare to live their sacramental  graces as active members of the Catholic Church.

•    Dispatch – Presiding at funeral services / providing comfort to families grieving the loss of family members and friends.

⁕    Preaching homilies, that were insightful and prayerful, on the second Sunday of each month.

⁕    Kindly assisted Fr. Fred Meyer at Mass / an event Fr. Meyer called: “A Double Fred-er.”

 

While not as frequently, you will see Deacon Fred in various roles of ministry, from time to time, since he is granted retirement with faculties. 

 

“Thank You” Deacon Fred for your years of devoted and faithful service to the people of St. Peter Church!