About one month ago, Father Paul York received word from his physician that he had acute leukemia with a poor prognosis.
He had been feeling tired and fatigued, which prompted a visit to his doctor. He decided to give a round of chemo a try. I had the privilege of getting to know him better after his retirement because he was in the same Jesu Caritas group with Father Larry Gyhra.
Jesu Caritas groups usually meet on a monthly basis for prayer and fellowship. Father York’s group had been in the habit of meeting where I live because it was also the residence of Father Larry Gyhra, a fellow member, during the last 10 months of his life. I often tried to meet up with them over their lunches because I loved Father Tvrdy’s dynamite soups and a brief visit with the group’s members.
Father York had a sweet spot in his heart for the poor which was manifested in part by his generosity to CSS.
Early one morning just days before his death, I paid a visit to Father York in the hospital. Seconds after walking into his room, he ripped off his oxygen mask and exclaimed, "Where is my check book? Where is it?" "Right over there," I answered. "Good, because there is a diaper drive going on and I wanted to make a donation."
He was visibly short of breath. He was referring to the diocesan-wide diaper drive the ladies of the LDCCW were conducting. After writing a check he continued, "Now, how are you doing?" "Fine," I retorted, "but how are you doing?" "I just finished making my funeral arraignments."
He was more interested in talking about others and their needs than those of himself. That was typical Father York. He died a holy death but not before thanking God for a lifetime of blessings, including his latest illness. He passed into eternity surrounded by prayerful family members and friends.
We will soon be celebrating Thanksgiving when many of us gather with family and friends while sharing a meal. My prayer is that all of us will pause during Thanksgiving and thank God the Father for giving us His only begotten Son, God the Son for dying on the cross for us and starting His Church in which we find salvation, and God the Holy Spirit who strengthens us with His seven gifts.
In addition to thanking God, I want to thank our many benefactors who through their prayers and generosity have helped us touch numerous lives across southern Nebraska, which will prompt them on Thanksgiving to thank God for the help they received through our hands which are your hands of charity. Please know and never forget that not only do we at Catholic Social Services keep you and your intentions in our prayers, but many of our clients do as well. Some of them have told me that they pray for our donors because they know well that the funds we use to help them come from you. Have a blessed and holy Thanksgiving!
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