MONROE - "Heal Our Bruises," the theme for the 44th annual Apostolate to the Handicapped, was an appropriate title for the first Christmas dinner and Mass following the death of founder Monsignor Thomas Campion, who died Nov. 12.
As the disabled guests, their caregivers and volunteers gathered Saturday in the gymnasium at Monroe High School, the fact that Campion was not there was often mentioned.
"It doesn't feel the same," said Scott Boss, a long-time guest and friend of Campion's. "I keep waiting for him to walk in."
The Rev. Michael Klarer, pastor of St. Victor Catholic Church, Monroe, said he felt Campion's loss and understood how people felt.
"Even though we feel bruised, we will be healed," he said as he welcomed the guests.
The Christmas party has been an annual highlight for guests and caregivers alike for more than 40 years. The handicapped come because they know it's their day, a chance to see friends and to enjoy the Christmas spirit.
They also came Saturday to be comforted in their loss.
"Jesus would bind up the wounds to the body and heal the bruises of broken hearts," Bishop William H. Bullock said.
Bullock spoke of how people are hurt by neglect and by a society that seems impatient.
"We often get so busy that we forget how important people are," he said.
People shouldn't be afraid to reach out to others, or to show love, he said.
"Let us pray for one another that we may reach out in faith and never be afraid."
People of all ages, from across southern Wisconsin, Iowa and northern Illinois, attended the dinner and Mass.
In addition to dinner and Mass, the annual celebration included singing and Christmas gifts for those attending.
As the disabled guests, their caregivers and volunteers gathered Saturday in the gymnasium at Monroe High School, the fact that Campion was not there was often mentioned.
"It doesn't feel the same," said Scott Boss, a long-time guest and friend of Campion's. "I keep waiting for him to walk in."
The Rev. Michael Klarer, pastor of St. Victor Catholic Church, Monroe, said he felt Campion's loss and understood how people felt.
"Even though we feel bruised, we will be healed," he said as he welcomed the guests.
The Christmas party has been an annual highlight for guests and caregivers alike for more than 40 years. The handicapped come because they know it's their day, a chance to see friends and to enjoy the Christmas spirit.
They also came Saturday to be comforted in their loss.
"Jesus would bind up the wounds to the body and heal the bruises of broken hearts," Bishop William H. Bullock said.
Bullock spoke of how people are hurt by neglect and by a society that seems impatient.
"We often get so busy that we forget how important people are," he said.
People shouldn't be afraid to reach out to others, or to show love, he said.
"Let us pray for one another that we may reach out in faith and never be afraid."
People of all ages, from across southern Wisconsin, Iowa and northern Illinois, attended the dinner and Mass.
In addition to dinner and Mass, the annual celebration included singing and Christmas gifts for those attending.