An important message from Father Ben

BY FATHER BEN MAAS

Laura Hogan and Father Ben

As most of you know over the last couple years I have been blessed to be in a relationship with Laura Hogan. What started as a friendship that brought tremendous healing grew into romance and joy. Many of you observed or hoped for this connection before either of us realized it. It has been remarkable the support, encouragement and enthusiasm you have showered upon us. 

So I am delighted to share that over the Christmas holidays I asked Laura to marry me (after securing the permission of our four children) and this marvelous, kind and accomplished woman said YES!! We are engaged! I am confident you will continue to share in our joy and be part of the marriage we are building. We also thank you for the support you have given our children and could not be more excited to expand our family within the embrace of our larger church family. I know Baxter and Libsy will benefit from the unwavering support you have shown Lauralee and Elliott over the last thirteen years. Laura has built relationships with many of you and she looks forward to deepening those friendships and building new ones.

With four active children, with full schedules, we haven’t worked out all the wedding details, and we look forward to sharing them all with you as they come into focus. One thing we do know is it will be at Saint James’ and we will want you to be part of our wedding just as you are part of our lives.

Please continue to pray for Laura and me and our expanding family.

Love, 

Father Ben (and Laura)