Letter to the Editor from Lanett, Ala.

Published: December 14, 2006

To the Editor:

This issue (The Georgia Bulletin, Dec. 7) had a nice article on the new church built at Fayetteville.

Deacon Al McHugh was probably most responsible for that parish’s existence.

When St. Philip Benizi parish sponsored St. Gabriel’s, he became the first clergyman to be identified with the location. He lived in Peachtree City, yet he ministered to this congregation as if it were next door to his house.

When Father (Joseph) Beltran became ill, he became, officially, the administrator of the parish. It was his duty, week after week after week, to find a spare priest in the archdiocese to say weekend Masses. During the week, in the absence of a priest, Deacon Al celebrated Communion services. I remember filling in for him a couple of times in the little suite of offices, with a designated chapel, that the parish rented on the northside of Fayetteville.

He was the heart of the formation of the Knights of Columbus council there; as I recall, he was the first Grand Knight for that council.

He and his wife, Carole, labored (I use that word intentionally) to build up and hold together the parish. When Carole became ill, he even assumed her responsibility as a parish secretary.

I believe I can safely say that, by the time Father Paul Berny became pastor, the parish was already firmly established. Much credit for that would be due to Deacon Al.

Thanks for your time in reading this. It seems there may be a number of “untold” stories in the archdiocese.

Deacon Jim Stagg, Lanett, Ala.