It was a year ago that Michael Musilli, our faithful sacristan who so generously served our parish, began his journey into Eternal Life. At that time, I wrote about Michael’s great love for the Eucharist, the Catholic Church, and his parish family of Saint Aloysius. It is with great sadness and with a heart filled with gratitude for a life well-lived that I write this column as a tribute to Leo E. Karl, Jr., Trustee Emeritus of Saint Aloysius Parish who began his journey to Heaven on January 13, 2024.

While the official role of a parish trustee is to act as principal steward of the life of a parish by working with the pastor to ensure that the Gospel is proclaimed effectively, the Sacraments are provided to the God’s people, and the parish will have the resources to thrive, Leo went far beyond the fundamental responsibilities. I can honestly say that Leo Karl loved the Lord, his family, and this parish with a great and sacrificial love. Within my first weeks of learning that I was going to become the pastor of Saint Aloysius, I met Leo at a finance council meeting. I quickly realized that this soft-spoken man had the respect of everyone at the table, the courage of his convictions, and a wisdom that was rooted in experience, thoughtfulness, and a deep faith. Once I officially arrived at the parish and sat at the meeting table with Leo frequently, I learned that Leo Karl didn’t simply “show up” at meetings, he embraced the issues and shared keen insights that were the product of his business savvy and his prayer. Practically speaking, Leo always insisted on starting a meeting on time, and when he believed the discussion was complete, he would “call the question.” When he deemed the meeting to have reached its sufficient end, he would make a motion to adjourn. As a fellow Yankees fan, I always appreciated the timely adjournment on those evenings when we would be able to get home to catch the last few innings of the game!

Leo’s love for the Mass and the Eucharist were so evident to me. As the long-serving head usher at the Sunday 7:00 AM Mass, and a regular Communicant at the weekday 7:00 AM Mass, Leo’s love of Christ present in the Eucharist was genuine and inspiring. Almost to his last day on this earth, he received Jesus in Holy Communion and this should remind us that this is indeed “food for the journey.”

Family was everything to Leo and he loved to regale me with stories about children and grandchildren. Every anecdote was delivered with a big smile and a heart bursting with pride. When it became more challenging for Leo to get to church, I was privileged to sit with Kathie and Leo in their living room where we prayed, received Communion, and talked about many things. After each visit I would drive back to the rectory with a smile on my face because I had witnessed true love grounded in strong faith and lived in the joy of a close and loving family.

There is much more to say, but now is the time for all of us to pray our brother Leo into Heaven, and reflect on how his wisdom, leadership, generosity, and love have blessed our parish, our community, and our best selves. Leo, may the angels lead you into Paradise!