* Brothers and sisters:
It is with great sadness I inform you that Deacon Ben Wenning of St Gabriel Parish in Charlotte recently passed away.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Deacon Ben was married to the love of his life, Dorothy (Dot) Wenning, for 66 years. He was a faithful servant of the Lord and his people.
He served in the US Navy and belonged to the volunteer fire departments when living in New Jersey and Virginia. He and Dot moved to Charlotte and Deacon Ben was second in charge of air traffic controllers at Charlotte Douglas Airport. He was ordained as a permanent deacon in the diocese in 1988 and was the first deacon assigned to Airport Chaplaincy at the Charlotte Airport. He also served as Director of Deacons for the diocese. At St Gabriel Parish he taught RCIA, worked in Marriage Encounter and served many other ministries over the years – truly a “deacon’s deacon.” A mentor and kind friend to many. Deacon Ben loved his family dearly and leaves behind many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Please keep Dot and all the family in your prayers for consolation and peace.
* Recently the Prayer Room at Munich Airport has has added a “Book of Concerns” for visitors to add comments and prayer requests. The Rev Christine Stöhr, has been greatly touched by the beautiful thoughts and prayers that have been written into the book.
* A display along the transit corridor at Paris Orly Airport features an innovative visual device that showcases ancient statues dressed in today’s fashions. It is titled the “Hipsters in Stone “ Exhibition and has been attracting much attraction from passing passengers.
*Recently we have fielded two enquiries for new chaplaincies to commence. One in Rwanda and the other in Memphis US.
Early discussions with chaplaincy providers and airports are taking place with support from the IACAC.