Community Corner
Beloved Father Bob of St. Francis of Assisi Church Passes Away
Father Bob Hoefler of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines heroically battled cancer in recent days.
After fighting hard against cancer, Father Bob Hoefler of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church died Wednesday morning, according to the church's Facebook page.
Funeral arrangements are being made. The church page said: In this moment of sorrow the Lord is in our midst and comforts us with his word: Blessed are the sorrowful; they shall be consoled.
A social prayer chain of sorts was circulating on Facebook in recent days for Father Bob, who entered the hospital a week ago and hospice last Friday.
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In a weekend post, he wrote:
“ … I feel the power of all the prayers being said for me from so many folks ... I don’t know how many more of these messages will be written. Do you know what a blessing my time as a priest has been! I can no longer give much in return, as I’m just so tired. What a wonderful and blessed journey this has been!”
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The Most Reverend Richard B. Pates, Bishop of the Des Moines Diocese, said in a letter to parishioners that Father Bob’s service to has been “heroic” in spite of his illness, especially as he helps to identify a new pastor.
“His heart is all pastor,” the bishop wrote.The church Facebook paged shared this prayer:
Fr. Bob Hoefler’s Prayer
“Lord, I don’t know what this day will bring. I accept it as your gift to me and I ask you to help me live it as well as I can with the confidence that you will see me through all that happens -- good and bad. Thank you for the peace that faith in you can bring. Help me never to lose faith in you. Amen.”
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