To Serve...Not Be Served

The Book of Matthew states, "just as The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as ransom for many"...well in that beautiful scripture is the Catholic deacon's "motto" to serve...not be served. 25 years ago, after 5 years of Diaconal formation, dad (or Deacon Vogel as many know him) was ordained to the permanent diaconate in the Catholic Church. Well, like many other family members, friends and fellow parishioners, I could write a book on just how gracious and Christ-like this man is, but I'll spare you, and just state in short...He is easily the most generous, unselfish human being that I know personally. Throughout his 25 years, he's been an example of Christ's love and service to all that have known him. Praying with the sick and dying; preparing and helping couples with the sacrament of Holy Matrimony; Baptising new christians; he's done so much more than a blog can hold. Most of all he is a teacher of God's work and love, through his words and his actions. If only the world had more people like him...and not for just Jenn and I, I speak for all friends and family when I say thank you deacon. We love you and look forward to celebrating your 50th anniversary into the diaconate. There was a big party celebrating his wonderful 25th anniversary after the 11:30 mass Sunday. Dad's ordination: November 6th, 1982The Vogel guys before dad married Caryn & Chad: April 17, 1999 Baptising his first grandchild, Brendan: Fall 2001

With mom and the grand kids (Pre- Jack and Brooks): Easter 2006

Had to throw this one in. Dallas Cowboy and Super Bowl Champion, and good family friend, (Roger Staubach's hand warmer) starting center Dave Manders at dad's party.

"...anointed by the Holy Spirit; a new adopted son of God"

Sunday October 14th, Brooks was baptised into Christ's death and resurrection at the 5:00 mass at Immaculate Conception. Our great friend Fr. Jeff came in to celebrate the mass, and dad performed the baptismal rites. We're extremely blessed to have clergy in the family in the form of my old man, who coincidently celebrates his 25th year of serving in the diaconate next month. He has proudly baptised all 6 (many more to follow, God willing) of his grandkids. Due to the genorosity of Jenn's and my parents, we took the sacramental celebration to El Guapo's afterward for some fajitas and fun.

We love you FJ Extremely proud grandparents of six beautiful kiddo's, 4 of which are Caryn and Chad's. Brooks will get to share his "1st Christmas" with Jack, who was born May 16th of this year. Wow, slow down Chad and Caryn, we have some catching up to do.

Proud grandparents and great-grandparent Mimi

...more proud great-grandparents, granny & papa, & "super-aunt" Shirley.
...Brooks' other great-grandparents, Grandma & Grandpa Vogel wanted to be there, but were on a cruise celebrating grandma's 8oth b-day. Happy birthday gigi!

We were honored to have the worlds greatest "baby-doctor" and his wonderful family celebrate this special day with us. He also delivered Caryn & Chad's last kiddo. As you can see Dr. Mcdonald is also very blessed. His wife Michelle is one of the most outgoing, fun-loving people you could ever have the pleasure of knowing...and she's beautiful too! He also has 5 of the most polite, enjoyable kids I've ever been around. (Must take after their mother)

Victory!!!

Brooks shares a winning moment with his exhausted, yet victorious daddy. Bradley played in the annual (3rd year) Raytheon tournament (Frisco) with his very good, long time friend Kyle. Their other team members were his buddy Tyler, and another co-worker of Kyle's, and new friend of Bradley's...another Kyle. According to Bradley, he, Tyler Kyle & Kyle played so well it really wasn't fair for the other 11 teams...And no surprise here, for the 3rd straight year, Bradley won the long drive contest. Way to go Daddy!