Dear Students: 

By now your parents have probably shared with you the news that Fr. Michael O’Keefe has died.  As you know, whenever Fr. Mike came to do a mass, he would give you a day off.  The first time he returned to St. Petronille School after retiring, he asked me for permission to give you a day off.  After that, he just did it.  He would always say with great joy after mass, “Mary, did you see the children’s faces?  They were so happy!”   I always reminded him that I thought only Bishops could do that.  He reminded me that he was a Pastor Emeritus and that he could give you a day off without permission.  He loved you all very much and he often times marveled at the gift of children.   He would remind me often of this by saying, “Remember, Mary, you are to bring the children to Christ.” That is your most important job.”     

Fr. Mike’s funeral will be Monday at 11:00.  Out of respect for Fr. Mike and his family, I think it would be best for us to postpone our exciting first day so that we can honor and pray for Fr. Mike.  Many will attend the funeral and hundreds more will remember him in various ways.   The teachers and I will be helping out Sunday and Monday by acting as greeters to the scores of visitors, clergy, family and friends that will come to honor a man that gave his life to the priesthood.  We remember him as a friend and as a role model.  He taught us by his example that no matter where our life takes us; God is the constant in our life.  God is our security.  We can depend upon God when we can count on no one else.  Remember Fr. Mike with your loving prayers and by constantly keeping God in your life.  God Bless you all. 

Love Dr. Kelly. 

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