Rest in Peace John Balzan

Watch the video "Sacristan John"

We mark the passing of John Balzan, 89, who was Sacristan at St Mary’s Church for the last 20 years plus. He had only recently retired due to ill health. He passed away Friday 27th into Saturday 28th February. 

He was a faithful servant of the Church over these many years. As Sacristan, he cared for the material things of the liturgy at St Mary’s, the sacred vessels, linens, candles: from unconsecrated Hosts to tricky gas heaters. This work was accomplished with great care and reverence, not for the recognition to be achieved but for a deep love of Church and God. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, achieving a high level of reliability. He was a grounding presence at Mass, Weddings and Funerals, with a calm, unassuming and prayerful nature. He was eager to share his knowledge and experience with others and did odd jobs around the church like repairing pews and replacing batteries with dedication. He distributed Sacrificial Offering envelopes in his area voluntarily and was a common sight on the streets of Ascot Vale walking his beloved dogs. 

John, you have served your Lord well over many years. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. 

John's funeral was at St Mary's Friday 13th March at 11.00am.

From the funeral we include the eulogy written and presented by Anne Fogarty, representing the Parish community.

"I think there are others who would be more qualified than me to talk about John. I will try and do him justice. For many years John has always been around helping in the Church. St Mary’s was John – John was St Mary’s. What I think most people would not know is that John was the Sacristan here for over 50 years. That is definitely a magnificent effort. A few of us feel that St Mary’s was John’s home away from home. I’m sure some of us think that John very reluctantly handed over the Sacristan duties to others. Which about six people are now doing what he did !!

John was a quiet, unassuming, humble man. So much so, that he didn’t even want to attend a special morning tea, which we held in his honour, to thank him for his many years of service to our community. AND we even had a special “thank you” cake for him. As hard as Fr Des tried to get John there, I think he thought there was something being held for him and, in true John style, he obviously didn’t want to be the centre of attention.

Apparently, when he assisted at funerals, it was not unusual for him to bring a sandwich and thermos from home, sit in his car and eat his lunch. This saved him having to go home, only to come back again to tidy up after the funeral. I can honestly say that I have never heard John say a bad word or talk about anyone. Which is extremely rare these days. He not only organised things in the Church, he also did other things, all in his own quite manner. John would fix what he could, if he couldn’t fix it, he would advise Fr what needed repairing. I’m sure, over the years, he has kept many Parish Priests on their toes. A story I heard recently, he was very generous to those down on their luck. Apparently, it was not unusual for him to give some money to homeless who needed a little help. When there were homeless outside Mass on Sundays, John was the one who would go and speak to them, probably gave them money and then he would send them gently on their way. He would deliver some of the sacrificial envelopes that were not collected, which is definitely much more than just one or two envelopes. He would open and close the school gates for car parking every Saturday night for the Vigil Mass, Sunday morning, also for special feasts, especially around Easter. Christmas Midnight Mass he would be there till the last car left, probably around 1:30 or 1:45 in the morning AND be back again early the next morning for the Christmas Day Mass !!

Some people probably now know, that John would purchase things for the Church, out of his own money. During COVID, John started to purchase, and perhaps stockpiling things that were on special. He now has a very good supply of toilet paper, liquid hand soap AND paper towels. I think John was expecting to live to 140 to ensure that all those supplies were used. I’m sure there are many more things that he did, that we will never know about.

John had a great devotion to Our Lady, he would always have a Rosary in his hand. Interesting things you learn, seems John was constantly praying for everyone in the Parish, especially if he knew, or heard of someone needing prayers. John please keep praying of us. John on behalf of Fr Desmond, Fr Joseph and Fr Justin and all the parishioners, especially those who saw you every day, we say thank you for your faithful service to St Mary’s and all that you have done for us. You will be missed.

Rest in peace John, you have served your Lord well."

Part of the homily on John 6: 37-40 at the Funeral Mass for John Balzan

… … The image of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, spells out his life-saving mission that no one be lost and the hope of eternal life be fulfilled. That like a shepherd he tends his flock – gathering, holding, leading. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls his own by name and leads them out. Those who follow him listen to his voice. To answer the shepherd’s voice is to give a believing response.

We can certainly say that John lived a believing response. He answered the call of the Shepherd. His vocation to serve as a committed single person was faithfully lived out. Even with the reality of God’s gift it’s a personal response that is to be made, venturing into wholehearted belief. Saturday 28th June last year was John’s final day as a sacristan here in St. Mary’s. It’s not my intention to list everything John did, but simply to highlight two aspects: 1) that he was a pray-er and 2) that he was a practical helper. As a man of prayer, he would pray many rosaries each day. And in keeping with his prayer life he lived a simple life. He assisted in the enabling of many liturgical celebrations: for Sundays (usually the Vigil Masses), baptisms, weddings, funerals, and so on. John was generous in the practical help he gave: he freely purchased items for the church, such as, rolls of paper towels and toilet paper and batteries. Even in the second half of last year on a visit to see him he gave me batteries and another torch to guide me when locking the church and coming down the steps from the sacristy.

Earlier this year there was a power surge which set back the time on the church clock. He informed Carmen, parish secretary, what he would do to adjust the clock’s time. I approached one of youth leaders to help with this. But before he was free to do so, the clock mysteriously was showing the correct time. He was made aware (and so he knew very well) that the Parish wanted to thank him, acknowledging his wonderful service in the name of the Lord.

Jesus’ mission of saving to win us all to the full life influences our prayer for John. We pray in hope that in John the gift of life is a gift to be raised up – and to be found again in a more glorious way – a new life! – never to be threatened.