Father Al Lauer, founder and long-time author of One Bread, One Body (OBOB), passed from this life to the next on October 13, 2002. This issue of OBOB is the last one that Father Al was able to write. (The September 30th teaching in this issue is his final written teaching.) In the final weeks of his battle with liver cancer, Father often expressed his thanks to those who had supported him, prayed for him, and received him.

In the last two weeks of his life, Father could no longer leave his bedroom. Masses were celebrated from his room. Although Father could not celebrate the Mass, he did give short homilies from his bed. Near the end of one of the last Masses, Father wasn't able to say much, but over and over he softly spoke to all present the words, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

If Father were writing this teaching today, he would want you  to know that he continually thanks God for you, the readers of OBOB (1 Cor 1:4). He found joy and encouragement in your letters. He rejoiced when you wrote of the great things God had done in your lives. Just as St. John rejoiced to see his children walking in the path of truth (2 Jn 4; 3 Jn 3-4), Father delighted in your love of God's word and of the Church. Your faithfulness, zeal, generosity, and fruitfulness gave him fresh courage and delight. Now that Father has gone to his reward, be assured that he is still alive for God (Lk 20:38), is even more fervently praying to God on your behalf, and is still thanking God for you.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, January 16, 2004

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 26, 2004