Greetings all, Dcn. Sylvester Nitzken, whom most of us have know more affectionately as Dcn. Syl, went home to the Lord this morning at 9:08 AM. He was surrounded by his loving family, and received his final Holy Communion (viaticum-food for the journey) from the consecrated hands of Fr. Pat. He went to the Nitzken home immediately after the 8:15 Mass this morning. Apparently he made it just in time. Within minutes after receiving Holy Communion, Dcn. Syl died. Dr. Michael Nitzken (son) said that if Fr. Pat had run into one more red light on the way over, he would not have made it in time. God’s Perfect Timing 🙏 He was called home on the eve of All Saints Day (All Hallow’s Eve, which is where we get the word Halloween.) Again, God’s Perfect Timing 🙏 Dcn. Syl was one of the first deacons ordained for the Archdiocese after the permanent diaconate was restored by the Second Vatican Council. He and his beloved wife Joan recently celebrated their 70th Anniversary with a special blessing at Mass here just a few Saturdays ago. Last Saturday evening I was blessed to celebrate his final Mass at the Nitzken home. The front pew at SSM will be a little emptier now. But heaven will soon be a little fuller. Funeral arrangements are pending. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord; let perpetual light shine upon him. Please keep Dcn. Syl, Joan, their daughter Mary, and the family in your prayers. God bless you , Fr. Peter