To all who have gathered in Holy Redeemer;
"A disciple of the Kingdom of Heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old." (Matt. XIII:52).
It was with sadness that I learned that Doug Chapman had 'spun off this mortal coil' on July 19th. Leaving behind his beloved Maine, in it's summer beauty, he steered for the Glory of the Eternal Vacation Land.
Mr. Chapman held carefully onto that which was of value from the past, that which had a real traditional value while always remaining actively open to a new world and positive change. I always saw Doug as the Winston Churchill of Mount Dessert Island. In a swirl of tobacco smoke he would "fight them on th beaches" as his eyes sparkled with fun. He was always kind and friendly towards me on all my trips to Maine over the years. From the annual lobster banquet at his home to the warm smile, welcoming 'hello' and sincere chat. I can still see him get out of his Cadillac - not often with angelic speed but always with absolute determination. On Sunday mornings he seemed to be always parked as close to the pedestrian gate of St. Peter's, in Southwest, as I myself was suppose to park - there were some mornings I was unsure if he or I would be preaching - I always hoped it would be him!
My sympathies, thoughts and prayers to his wife, children, sister, relatives, all who loved him and, of course his many, many, many friends. Also my heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Community of M.D.I. ; "Doug Semper Fidelis ~ Doug Always Faithful" - a great Christian warrior has left us to see the King. To paraphrase from Churchill: Doug is ready to meet God, whether God is ready to meet Douglas B. Chapman is entirely a different story... We can ask how it went when we get THERE.
From the green island of Ireland on the western sea board of Europe to the island of carriage trails, great rocks and soaring pine trees - may Almighty God's blessings dance between us.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Sean Fennelly