Bob Noyes

Bob has recruited and trained a group of men to function as Funeral Sacristans.  These men are present to assist the funeral celebrant.  They do not replace the funeral directors or the parish staff that the family has met.  Their duties (depending upon Memorial Mass only, Ashes or Full Body) are described in a ‘How To” Memorandum Bob authored and reviewed with each sacristan.  He updates the Memorandum on a frequent basis to include newly identified tasks the sacristans can perform to assist the Celebrant of the funeral.  The sacristans have assisted at hundreds of funerals in the past three years, including many in Spanish and one in Hungarian.  Sacristans arrive at the Church Office 60-90 minutes before a funeral to begin setting up the altar, main church entry way and lighting.  They remain at the celebrants call throughout the funeral Mass and stay after the church has cleared to remove all items from the altar and store them in their proper place in the sacristy.

Bob's cheerful leading through example inspires each sacristan to do their best at each and every funeral where they serve.  Bob's knowledge of the many parishioners at St. Monica enables him to be sure that adequate seating is provided for family members and that last-minute requests are conveyed to either the celebrant or parish staff.  Bob's kindness often relaxes grieving family members and allows them to participate in the funeral more fully.
Sacristans serve as either Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion or Ushers during the distribution of the Eucharist.  Bob's leadership is key to the growing success of this ministry.  He uses Jesus’ example of Servant Leadership to inspire those of us serving with him to do our very best.
Nominated by Larry Harrison