I don’t personally know the Most Rev. Alfred A. Schlert, DD, JCL, Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, but I feel like I want to publicly thank him for the gift he bestowed upon the Catholic community of the Panther Valley in May three years ago when he sent Father Bob George to Summit Hill to guide, teach and lead us in worship and prayer.

I know, it’s a late thank you, long overdue, in fact, but according those who know proper etiquette, “it’s never too late” to show your appreciation. In fact, I’ve read where a belated acknowledgment, if in sincerity, is perceived as being even more meaningful by its recipient.

I’m borrowing that thought this morning, and, with the utmost in sincerity, want to thank Bishop Schlert for sending to us someone really really special. I know I can’t speak for everyone, but with no reservations I believe I’m pretty much on target in saying the happiness and contentment parishioners feel over that parochial appointment is downright overwhelming.

For those of you who haven’t met Father Bob, I say this, you’re missing out. He’s kind, considerate, polite, funny and personable. If I didn’t know better, I’d believe from his temperament that he never had a bad day.

As far as his pastoral community duties go, I can tell you this, Father Bob is dedicated beyond belief, providing comfort, guidance and spirituality to everyone and anyone who seeks it. Oh, I’m aware that for the most part, all clergy men and women are extremely dedicated and tend to their parishes’ needs nicely. To that end, let me say thanks to all of the men and women who provide our communities the spiritual guidance that is so important in our daily lives.

As for Father Bob, he’s a Mahanoy City native who came to St. Joseph Catholic Church of the Panther Valley in May 2021, from his previous assignment at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bethlehem Township. Maybe it was because Bishop Schlert was sending a Coal Cracker to the Coal Regions, but regardless the thinking, the “fit” is perfect.

And not long after that, he received an additional diocesan assignment as chaplain at Marian Catholic High School, duties he welcomed with open arms and fulfills without missing a beat.

In fact, Patrick Smith, Marian’s faculty ministry adviser, very appropriately summed up Father Bob in a recent discussion, saying he “is always present and available to our students … He celebrates weekly Mass … He is always available for Confessions … He attends all sporting events, plays and other activities to support our students in everything they do … He loves to spend time with the students, and they love him as well.” Pretty good, huh?

Father Bob takes his hectic routine in stride and has done a fantastic job in our region. Ever humble, when he recently observed his 29th anniversary in the priesthood and his third year in Summit Hill, he told us, “I’m nothing special … I’m just a kid from Mahanoy City trying to get through life.”

With all due respect, I beg to disagree. He is special, and it’s special for us to have him. For that, to Bishop Schlert, I offer sincerest thanks, even if it’s a little late.