Deacon Jim Ayrer

My dear friends in Christ,

Two weeks ago Thursday night, I received a call that Deacon Jim Ayrer was in Virtua Willingboro and wanted me to come and see him for the Sacrament of Anointing and Confession. Upon seeing him, I knew that God would be calling him home soon. It was with a heavy heart that I received the phone call early this past Monday morning that Deacon Jim had passed away and returned home to God’s heavenly kingdom. There are not enough words that can express what Deacon Jim meant to so many. When I first came to Corpus Christi, Deacon Jim was one of the first people I met. He was very kind, gentle and soft spoken. He was always willing to listen and to offer wisdom when needed. He assisted at Mass and gave wonderful homilies. Everyone who met him loved him. He loved to talk about philosophy and would engage in some interesting debates in the Sacristy. He was a long time member of local government where he did so much for so many. In the end, he worried more about us and if we would get to heaven than he did about himself. One who knew Deacon Jim remarked, “Earth lost a beautiful human being today but we gained a prayer warrior in Heaven.” I invite you to pray for Deacon Jim’s family during their time of grief and sorrow. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Next weekend we will “kick-off” the Annual Catholic Appeal for 2020. Please see information in this bulletin.

May God bless you all,

Father John