In Hospice, Beloved Father Bob Helps Select His Own Successor

A social prayer chain of sorts is circulating on Facebook for Father Bob Hoefler of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

According to Facebook posts, Father Bob continues to rest in hospice care while helping to direct the selection of his successor. Father Bob entered the hospital a week ago and hospice on Friday.

Visits to his bedside or vigils at Mercy Hospice in Johnston are discouraged. Rather, it’s suggested that parishioners pray individually or in groups.

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!”

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.

Kenyan priest Father George Komo has delayed indefinitely a new assignment to serve as chaplain with the Archdiocese for the Military Service so he can attend to parish needs, according to the bishop.

Father Komo has encouraged parishioners to pray. “Father Bob has always been a man that believed things should be kept simple,” he wrote.

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