Brothers,

It is my sad duty to inform you that Fr. John J. Skala passed away around 9:00 this morning, December 14, from complications to the illness for which he had been hospitalized. His passing was unexpected to everyone except the family that was with him when his kidneys began to fail.

Arrangements are still pending, but we have the following schedule set up tentatively:

• Father will lie in state in the Cathedral from Wednesday afternoon, December 17.

• Saracusta will be Wednesday evening at 8:00.

• Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:00 Thursday morning, December 19, with the funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m.

Please keep Father and his family in your prayers. His son, Benedict, is in charge of arrangements for the family, and I will get his address for you shortly. I would ask that you offer the customary three liturgies for the repose of his soul.

Dumnezeu sa-l ierte! May God rest him in peace, and may his memory be eternal.

+John Michael Botean