Monsignor Robert Hofstetter, pastor of Saint Mary Parish from 1974 to 1981, passed away last Thursday at age 94. Father Bob was a priest 68 years.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
During his time at saint Mary’s, Father Bob introduced his own “ray of sunshine” when he transformed the walls from white to shades of yellow and added the two stained glass windows that served as memorials to his parents. His special dedication to evangelization ministries saw the outgrowth of “commissioning” those involved in the ministry to the sick. Masses were said everywhere: at the nursing homes, in individual’s homes within certain “block areas”, at Brushy Mountain Prison, outdoors in front of the rectory, and on the green. Masses were devoted to the children. Saint Mary’s secured its first Youth Minister, saw its first live animals in the church during a Palm Sunday liturgy, enjoyed its first Christmas Brunch, monthly “pot-luck” suppers, and High School Senior Reception. The parish participated in its first Ecumenical Stations of the Cross with clergy from other area Christian churches providing the narration.
Msgr. Robert Hofstetter planted this tree 45 years ago. May he rest in peace.