Your Catholic Neighbor
George Ecker lives his faith by serving other people
(New feature starting this week)
By R. Paige Kettner
Compass Correspondent
STOCKBRIDGE -- The parable of the "Good Samaritan" is a familiar story, the virtuous example when some ordinary person does an extraordinary thing for another.
George Ecker, a member of St. Mary of the Seven Dolors Parish, knows this lesson well. "We have a tremendous responsibility to our faith. Caring for others, sharing our skills and
encouraging people to apply their gifts and talents," he said. "That's God's purpose for us."
People need to set their priorities, explained. "Our devotion to God and to the church must come first; then, believing in yourself with positive attitude and confidence you can take action to set goals and dreams in motion. When you're doing it for God, it builds your faith."
From boyhood on, Ecker learned character had a great impact on living one's faith and it involved developing sound personal integrity, having an attitude of kindness, compassion and
forgiveness, and being a good leader within the church community - at home, at work, at play.
"I feel so strongly about making people happy, safeguarding their feelings and allowing them to express their thoughts, emotions and opinions," he said. "I express mine too, but the
key is to respect the exchange of ideas. I think it's important to stay young in your thinking and beliefs and always remember your Catholic heritage and ancestry. God expects us to do the work that is required to become a better, holy person and to enjoy the benefits promised as a child of God."
Ecker is no stranger to commitment and hard work. He has been blessed by its satisfying rewards in all areas of his life. For 57 years he's been an organist/choir director at St.
Mary of the Seven Dolors Church. He has written a "Mass of Thanksgiving" and over a dozen hymns; he's chaired fund-raising festivals, made and sold tons of chocolate candy, and delivered raffle tickets and prizes door-to-door as part of this effort.
He's taken advanced religious education courses, participated in religious instruction and program direction; and currently serves as chairman of the parish worship committee.
"Parish involvement has always been very gratifying and a mainstay throughout my life," said Ecker. "That's not true for everyone. I think people today are hungry for their faith. They're reaching out in a silent way and no one's listening - no one's there for them. There's a great need for involvement in all aspects of the church body. We have to find ways to make connections that touch the heart, to fulfill members' spiritual needs and expectations. We must help them find that inherent longing we all hold."
Fr. Philip Dinh-Van-Thiep, pastor of St. Mary Parish, admires Ecker's service to the church. "George has been a long-time, active presence in our congregation," he said. "He knows the history; he's not hesitant to get involved in all activities. He keeps people motivated and excited about their Catholic faith. These are gifts he shares willingly."
Ecker's dedication and enthusiasm extend to his professional career and role as a husband, father and grandfather. He owns and operates Ecker Professional Services, an insurance agency and business consulting firm; serves as an adjunct professor for Fox Valley Technical College; is a composer, playwright and accomplished musician; and finds time to bake and deliver bread and cookies to his son and grandchildren, who live nearby.
"With my family, I am so blessed," he said. "The most spiritual time in my life was my wedding over 49 years ago. I abide by a simple philosophy - believe in yourself; have faith in God and you can accomplish almost anything you desire."
He said every day is a learning experience.
"I read a lot and pray even more - and I don't believe in worrying," he said. "Our focus should be outward, not self-centered. We need to see to the needs of others and encourage others to be and do better. That's what it's all about."
Ecker considers service to be primary in living one's faith.
"You have to abandon the idea that I come first, and parish priests need to direct their homilies to this topic, finding out the needs of their congregation and addressing 'how' people can structure their lives around this concept," he explained. "Diocesan parishes have to accept the role of being a 'missionary' to reach people, get them involved and carry this message outward."
Over the years, Ecker has worked in individual and family counseling, helping people in times of challenge and crisis; always speaking of faith, hope and determination as guiding truths toward a brighter future.
Currently, he volunteers as a patient counselor at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, working in sub-acute care. Here he assists patients "in accepting whatever God planned for them," including their present health circumstance. He offers a regular-visit mantra, saying, "Never give up!"
This same message is shared in a book Ecker co-authored titled, "The Lori Popp Story" about a Chilton woman's struggle with obesity, her decision to undergo bariatric surgery, the most extreme emotional and physical adversities experienced during her illness, and the "faith, hope and determination" it took to overcome them. It is an unforgettable, inspiring story of "beating the odds to survive."
For people to live their faith, George offers, "Try to put the humanity of Christ into everything you do. That's fulfilling your purpose, that's living your faith."
|
