TERRE HAUTE —
Those whose lives were touched by Father Joseph Kern paid their last respects Tuesday during a funeral Mass filled with religious symbolism and ritual.
Kern, 80, died April 16 in Terre Haute. For more than 53 years, he served communities throughout the archdiocese, including several parishes in the Wabash Valley. He also was dean of the Terre Haute deanery.
Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Coyne presided at Tuesday’s Mass, which took place in St. Benedict Church. Father Rick Ginther delivered the homily.
Father Joe set an example for all with his humility, kindness and dedicated service to God’s people, Ginther said.
“He was a servant of the people of God, first and foremost.”
The Gospel reading, the Beatitudes, aptly describes Father Joe’s life and ministry, Ginther said. It begins, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The priest urged those attending the funeral Mass to reflect on their own lives and to follow in Father Joe’s footsteps.
“We are to live lives of service …
“We are to be forgiving …
“We are to work beyond competition and parochialism, pursuing collaboration and unity.”
Also, by living a life that is God-centered rather than self-centered, people can change the world, or at least some of it, Ginther said.
Though he retired in 2001, Father Joe was always willing to help a brother priest and attend to the pastoral needs of a church community, if that priest had to be absent, Ginther said.
Speaking to the many priests who attended the service, Ginther said, “He loved us greatly as his brothers; he embraced us with fraternal affection, evidenced by his faithful, joyful attendance with us at almost every clergy gathering — from convocation, priesthood day, ordination, Chrism Mass, to priest support group.”
In a lighter moment, Ginther told those gathered how Father Joe “touched our lives as a priest, pastor, dean, boss, puppeteer, Energizer Bunny, 100-year-old hobbit, Yoda, Singing Sam and hugger extraordinaire.”
Father Joe loved to sing, and sing loudly, during Mass, and he would use his puppet, Oscar, during children’s masses. Some described him as the Energizer Bunny because of his unlimited energy.
“We can commend him to the God of love and mercy because he taught us well how to do so,” Ginther said.
The service began with a procession that included several members of the Knights of Columbus dressed in their regalia of capes, chapeaus and swords. They were followed by about 40 priests from the deanery and archdiocese; priests all wore the same light-colored vestments.
Though it was a funeral, Easter lilies and a large, burning Paschal candle symbolized the hope of the holy season and the belief in life after death. The Easter season is marked by joy and hope because “Christ has died, he is risen and he will come again,” Ginther said.
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Most Reverend: Christopher J. Coyne, SLD,VG exits St. Benedict Church on Tuesday morning after Presiding over the Kern Funeral.
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Pallbearers: The casket of Reverend Joseph Raymond Kern is carried from St. Benedict's Church Tuesday morning.
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Kern funeral: The funeral for Reverend Joseph Raymond Kern in St. Benedict Church Tuesday morning was attended by hundreds of people.
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Book: Detail photo of registry book for Kern funeral.
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Remembering: A photograph of Father Joe Kern was part of the memorabilia on hand at his wake Monday evening at St. Margaret Mary Church. Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis
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Final farewell: Walter Kindrick, a longtime friend and parishioner of Father Joe Kern, leans over his casket at a wake Monday evening. Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis
Discussion
A life of service: Father Joe praised for centering on God
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