Memorial Mass – 91��Ƭ

Remembering Those Lost to COVID-19

Michelle Lang — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:05:55 +0000

91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility, 266 South Orange Ave., Newark, held a Memorial Mass on March 26 to remember the residents and staff members who passed away from COVID-19. Father Beatus Kitururu led the mass, which included participation from Extended Care staff members and residents, including Administrator Veronica Onwunaka. NCC Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson was also in attendance. To ensure that family members could participate, Extended Care live streamed the event. Photos courtesy of Extended Care.

91��Ƭ Remembers Retired Executive Chef with Memorial Mass

Michelle Lang — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 18:36:09 +0000

91��Ƭ held a Memorial Mass remembering Joe Rodriguez, who served as the executive chef at the organization for nearly 33 years. He had retired in January and passed away Aug. 10 at the age of 84. Rodriguez’s family members, friends and colleagues gathered at St. Joseph Plaza Sept. 27 to honor and remember him.

“Joe’s Memorial Mass and reception was a beautiful, warm gathering of friends and family,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “We enjoyed each other’s company and shared stories that were both funny and underscored Joe’s seemingly bottomless kindness and compassion. He was a great man who went about his goodness quietly and without any fanfare. We will miss him.”

Father Beatus Kitururu led the mass and pointed out that Rodriguez was always smiling, citing photos of him in the room.

“Now that smile tells you the personality of the person. He’s a person full of faith,” he said. “Joe went through some very difficult times but you can see he is always full of smiles. Because all things are good for those who love God.”

91��Ƭ Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson called Rodriguez special.

“Joe was a great person. He never said no to anyone,” she said, citing the many Thanksgiving meals he made for those in need over the years. “He never complained about anything.”

Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka worked with Rodriguez for 28 years. She talked about his dedication to the nursing home and its residents, explaining that he never missed Thanksgiving or Christmas, he didn’t call out sick, he would come to the facility in snowstorms and that he was dedicated to his job even when he was caring for his late wife when she was ill.

“So for the family members that are here today, on behalf of [late NCC Founder] Monsignor [William J. Linder] and the entire, hundreds of thousands of residents that Joe fed over so many years, we really thank you,” she said.

NCC Director of Mission Frances Teabout told those in attendance that she always thinks of Rodriguez when she hears a famous IHOP slogan.

“Any time I heard ‘Come Hungry, Leave Happy,’ I always thought about Joe. Joe was such a wonderful gift to all of us here at 91��Ƭ. We always came hungry if we knew that Joe was cooking. And no doubt, you always left full and happy,” she said.

Teabout also spoke about his deep faith.

“Joe was a christian, a devout Catholic. And he followed those words of Jesus,” she said. “He had compassion.”

Two of Rodriguez’s daughters spoke at the Memorial Mass in his honor. They said their father loved working for 91��Ƭ and Monsignor Linder.

“Every time Father Linder accomplished anything, Dad accomplished something because he was so happy. And I see that he loved all of you,” said daughter Anne Marie Ventura. “And as much as he didn’t like parties and everything else, I think he would’ve been very pleased that we’re all assembled together for mass here in his honor. I can’t think of anything better.”

Joyce Hessemer, another one of Rodriguez’s daughters, agreed that her father loved 91��Ƭ and was extremely dedicated to his work. She said she wished he had more time to enjoy his retirement, but she knows he’s in a good place.

“I can’t be sad and think about all the things he could’ve done in his retirement because he’s with God,” Hessemer said. “He’s having the best retirement he ever could have.”

NCC Hosts Memorial Mass for Founder Monsignor Linder

Michelle Lang — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 14:24:27 +0000

Family, friends and colleagues gathered at St. Joseph Plaza June 7 for a Memorial Mass honoring 91��Ƭ Founder Monsignor William J. Linder. The event was in commemoration of the first anniversary of his passing. Monsignor Linder passed away June 8, 2018.
“The mass was a beautiful remembrance and an opportunity to reflect on Monsignor Linder’s extraordinary story. He was a doer and also had a heart big enough for us all,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “It was truly moving.”
Father Philip Waters, Dean of Deanery 20 overseeing eight parishes, delivered the homily at the Memorial Mass, as he did for the funeral mass last year. He talked about the vision Monsignor Linder had for Newark and his accomplishments.
“He bequeathed to all of us, I think, a great legacy. A legacy of love, a legacy of service, a legacy of imagination and a legacy of prayer,” Father Waters said. “And so it’s good that we can come together and remember him.”
Monsignor Edward G. Bradley, Director of the Office of Ministry to Retired Priests, also talked about Monsignor Linder’s legacy.
“What he’s done has remained and now continues to grow for those who follow in his footsteps,” Monsignor Bradley said. “What a beautiful life to have lived, be able to hand on.”
Father Josephat Kato Kalema, Pastor of the Parish of the Transfiguration, spoke about how Monsignor Linder accepted everyone.
“Whether you were white or black, short or tall, spoke English or not, he was always very welcoming,” he said.
91��Ƭ Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba said those at NCC are working to carry out the legacy Monsignor Linder left.
“We have to make sure that we remain faithful to the mission. Let us keep it in our hearts,” Yamba said. “But more importantly, do the work that he asked us to do.”
91��Ƭ Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson was close to Monsignor Linder for many years said she appreciates all that she learned from him.
“Monsignor taught me how to give,” she said. “I just thank Monsignor Linder for all that he did for others and all that he did for me and may he rest in peace.”