Dear Parishioners of Saint John the Evangelist,
It is with deep regret and profound sadness to report to you that Fr. Dan Smith, who served our community from 2008-2011, died suddenly in his home over Father’s Day weekend. He was 53 years old. Fr. Dan will be remembered as a dedicated and hard working priest. His love for the Lord and the traditions of the Church were very evident in his life. While he was here, Fr. Dan initiated many learning opportunities for our parishioners by offering adult faith formation classes. He was most certainly a brother to me as much as a priest. We had worked together as parochial vicars many years ago at Incarnation in Sarasota. Later, I became his Spiritual Director. Eventually, I was assigned as his pastor here at Saint John the Evangelist. What I learned during my time with Fr. Dan is that he had a tender heart and a deep concern for people. He was always dedicated to opening the People of God’s hearts to the presence of Christ.
Fr. Dan left us in February of 2011 to take a leadership role at Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch, Florida. He was assigned as pastor to help with the future growth of his community. In the past few months, Fr. Dan shared with me his excitement about his fundraising campaign which would provide funds to build a new church for his community. He gave his “all” to the priesthood to the very end!!
Please join me in praying for Fr. Dan that he will rest eternally in peace with the Angels and Saints. May Christ, the Good Shepherd, embrace him in his mercy.
With God’s Love,
Fr. John Ludden
Father Dan’s Funeral Arrangements
Wake Service:
Friday, June 24, 2016
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Our Lady of the Angels Parish
12905 E State Road 70
Lakewood Ranch, Fl 34202-9405
Father John will do a blessing at 4PM and the Rosary will be said at 5PM.
Funeral:
Saturday, June 25, 2016
10:00 a.m.
Our Lady of the Angels Parish
12905 E State Road 70
Lakewood Ranch, Fl 34202-9405