Good morning, I’m your fellow parishioner, Ernie LeBlanc. I’ve been a parishioner at Sacred Heart since 1986, moving here from Boston.

I think of myself as an ordinary person. I grew up in Arlington, where, as perhaps many of you did, I worked, as a kid, at my newspaper route, then delivering groceries for a local market. I liked sports, still do, but have put aside playing football, baseball, and hockey, for other less dangerous pursuits. I served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946, protecting merchant ships.

I was blessed to marry Dorothy Williams in 1947, and we, in turn, were blessed with 6 children. My wife, although not Catholic, helped me and made sure that our children had a good Catholic upbringing.
Wanting to get involved in my faith and community as a young man, I first joined the Knights of Columbus in 1949. In thinking of my speaking to you today about the Holy Spirit working in my life, I’d have to say that my being a Knight of Columbus has helped me to become more and more aware of many, daily calls of the Spirit to do what I can to give witness to Christ’s love in everyday, seemingly ordinary ways.

I have been blessed in many ways in my life and I consider whatever I can do now, that I’m a bit more “mature,” age-wise, to be an opportunity for me to give back to God in thanksgiving for His blessings to me.

As time needed for bringing up my children lessened, and after the death of my dear wife, Dorothy, in 1985, I decided to give whatever time and effort I could to show others that I cared and that I could, perhaps, be a sign to others of God’s love and care.

Strangely, as I get older, I seem to be getting busier! I’m only 84, but it doesn’t seem to really matter, when you have opportunities to help others. Currently, I begin my day here at the 8 a.m. Mass, asking God to help me be His instrument and continue to work in and through me during the day. Each day has its surprises, but I know God is with me and that the Holy Spirit will guide me and strengthen me.
Some days you’ll find me bringing Fr. Dan Moran to one or other medical appointment, many other days and nights you’d find me overseeing and guiding any one of 5 Knights of Columbus Councils I work with as District Deputy; you might find me at our St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry or helping it by bringing to it food or other materials needed by our brothers and; I might greet you here as an usher; or be asked to bring Holy Communion to those who are homebound.

I don’t consider myself unusual, but I do try to say “yes” when people need me because I believe that’s what Jesus wants me to do. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to help me with His gifts to know God’s will, and the courage and strength to do it. Thank you.