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9 O'Clock Mass Connection
... parishioners leave behind newfound friends

We at St. Joan’s always say, “We welcome you where ever you are on your journey”. Unfortunately, at times we must bid farewell and God bless on your journey. This goes out to a beautiful couple whom I have had the good fortune to meet at our 9:00 Sunday Mass in the Great Room.

Every Sunday at 8:30, I bring my “Prime Time” parents to St Joan’s. We sit by the main entryway (so that Echo can find mom and dad for communion), and every Sunday, there is a couple that sits just behind us. They always greeted us, extending their hands and giving us a warm smile. We always felt a good day was beginning when we would see Don and Pat Hathaway at church.

Don and Pat have been members at St. Joan’s about 5 years and have helped in many areas as needed. When my daughter’s son was born Don even asked, if allowed, he would love to baptize our grandson. They have seen our grandson every Sunday for 9 months and have loved watching him grow.

Where are the Hathaway’s moving to? They are off to Mountain City, a small Tennessee mountain town of 2000 people. They will be a part of St. Rita’s parish. This parish is so small that for the Easter vigil, there were 35 people in attendance. A far cry from that of St. Joan’s. There are more than that in the Infant’s nursery!

Don and Pat Hathaway have a daughter living in this Tennessee town. She is a medical missionary in the Order of St. Francis. The Hathaway’s made a decision to move to this town to be closer to their daughter. They plan to be as active as possible in their new parish.

Molly Ryan is a full-blooded Mexican married to a full-blooded Irishman. They have 2 grown children, Kelly and Shannon. Molly has been attending SJA since 1994 and has taught Sunday School in addition to other volunteering.
They will miss St Joan’s community because, “St. Joan’s thought like we did. We loved the variety of speakers, we believed in St. Joan’s peace efforts-you know Pat’s been arrested for her beliefs- we believed in St. Joan’s dedication to community. We will miss the music”.

The town of Mountain City will be blessed to have Don and Pat Hathaway join their community. They are special people. I will miss seeing them at 9:00 mass. So will my folks and my grandson. God bless them on their journey. They helped make St. Joan’s a great community.

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