Editor’s Note: Judy Huth and Carol Lippert have been long-time sacristans at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, and in that capacity developed a unique friendship with Bishop Frank J. Dewane. They share a rarely seen side of Bishop Dewane.
On any given day of the week, including weekends, for many years Judy Huth and Carol Lippert have been sacristans at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.
“I wish everyone in this Diocese that sits in the pew could see him as we see him,” Lippert said. “We see his warmth and kindness. He’s a good man. People necessarily don’t know that.”
The role of a sacristan is to support the Bishop or priests, the liturgical ministers, and the liturgy itself. Once the liturgy has commenced, the sacristan normally situates himself or herself in the sacristy in case something else might be required during the liturgy. Part of this job is respecting the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Sacristans must treat the holy materials with respect and reverence.
The Sacristy, where Huth and Lippert serve, is a quiet place of preparation and reflection ahead of the Mass. After a Mass there are many things to attend to, but it is during those times when the pair often witnessed Bishop Dewane become relaxed.
“We allow the opportunity for him to be himself,” Huth said. “He is a great guy.”
Lippert said she made an instant connection with Bishop Dewane because both are from Wisconsin. Huth said she met the Bishop shortly after his Episcopal Ordination and took an immediate liking to him because he came across as so genuine.
“It can be easy to forget that someone in his position has to deal with many different things at once, so I decided to just be kind to him and he responded in a way that I continue to cherish our friendship to this day,” Huth said.
Lippert felt the same way about Bishop Dewane, she invited him to her home for an informal gathering with a few dozen people.
“What I saw that night was his warmth,” Lippert said. “He could talk to anyone about anything – he has a knack of finding something common to talk about and exploring that.”
Lippert treats all clergy the same, even inviting them to her home for a meal or when hurricanes threaten.
“It was during one of the hurricanes that I saw the pastoral side of Bishop Dewane;” Lippert said. “He reached out to the priests to check on them personally. That showed me how he truly cares about his priests. He even pitched in to help with the dishes and clean up. Amazing.”
They both remarked that they are constantly amazed that someone of such importance as a Bishop would care to know details of their lives noting how he knows names of their extended families.
Lippert, who faced a medical crisis, said the Bishop called the hospital to check on her, and spoke to her family. When she was well enough to speak, he then spoke to her directly. “This is a very busy man. He took the time to speak to me, asking how I was, and acknowledging that it was a hard time for. It meant so much to me.”
“What I have seen of Bishop Dewane is that he cares about his priests, the Parishes, the global Church,” Huth said. “He is always being pulled in a thousand different directions. When does he sleep? I think he is a man who is to be admired for what he has given to us.”
