A message from Father Jerry:

Dear Staff and Parishioners of Sacred Heart,

I hope this message finds you happy and well. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for the kindness and support you’ve shown me during my time of disability. Your love and encouragement meant the world to me, especially after the beautiful sendoff you organized for my surgery on Ash Wednesday. It was disheartening to learn that my surgeon had to cancel the operation due to a lack of cardiologist clearance.

After a few days of rest, I had my rescheduled surgery on Wednesday, March 12, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. I’m delighted to share that my surgeon described it as a “classic textbook case” with perfect results! While I do have an 8-inch incision with 32 staples in my back, and I can’t deny that it’s a bit painful, I am incredibly grateful to report that I can now stand without experiencing overwhelming pain, and my legs are no longer going numb. What a tremendous relief!

My recovery is expected to take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, but I’m looking forward to being back with all of you soon—ready to dance the rumba and wholeheartedly commit myself to our ministry once again. I miss you all dearly, and I cannot wait to return to the parish.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers. I promise to love and care for every one of you to the best of my abilities.

In God’s unfailing love,
Father Jerry