Today my family was most blessed to attend the 40th anniversary to Priestly Ordination of our dear friend, Fr. Carl Last. Fr. Carl confirmed my husband Paul, presided at our marriage 18 years ago, and baptized our first three sons. We have known and loved him for the past 20 years. We know that priests today are super busy and are so grateful that we have been able to remain a part of his life even though our lives have changed so much.
Paul and I were married in 1991 at Corpus Christi parish. Shortly after we were married, Fr. Carl was transferred to St. Matthias parish. When Paul and I bought our house, it was close to St. Matthias, and the first time we went there for Mass, Fr. Carl greeted us with the following: "There you are! I've been waiting for you!" So, naturally, we quickly joined the parish! It seemed all too soon and Fr. Carl was sent to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist as rector and pastor. Within a few years, the Cathedral began a youth choir group for all of the children in the Archdiocese, called the Choristers of St. Francis Xavier. My children joined, one by one, and for the past six years, we have been blessed to once again be a part of Fr. Carl's life on a regular basis, even though we have remained parishioners at St. Matthias.
Today, my children had the honor of singing at his Anniversary Mass. Knowing how many lives he has touched in 40 years of service to God and His people, it really surprises me that he would still consider our humble family to be an important part of his life.
As we walked into the atrium for the reception after Mass, we were greeted by one of the Cathedral parishioners who told us to go directly to the table where Father Carl had a poster of pictures set up. We were so surprised to see our wedding picture with Fr. Carl on display for all to see! This is especially surprising because the Cathedral is a choice spot for weddings in the Archdiocese because it is such a beautiful church, and the weddings that take place there are often very extravagant. Yet it was our humble picture from 18 years ago at little Corpus Christi parish that he chose to display. Nothing could have made us more proud!
We love you Fr. Carl! Thank you for loving us and including us in your life! Thank you for your many years of faithful service to the church. Happy Anniversary, and many more!
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