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Potluck tribute (un)organized for Jesuit Father Kidwell

In true Father Kidwell tradition there will be little coordination beyond the date and time – March 15 at 11 a.m. – for a tribute to the beloved Jesuit priest.

FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF REPORT

Published: 03.07.08

Sam.Corson@Verizon.net

TAMPA | A Jesuit priest remembered for his Eucharistic passion and potluck dinners will be remembered Saturday, March 15, with a Mass and potluck lunch in Tampa.

Father William Kidwell, S.J., died Jan. 13 out of the area. When those he served at Jesuit High School and Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, heard of his death, they wanted to do something to remember him, and they wanted to do it Father Kidwell-style.

“He was just a dynamo,” said Sam Corson, an organizer of the event. “He was just so passionate about both the Right to Life movement and … small faith communities. “He was just tireless.”

Father Kidwell loved to celebrate Mass. When Corson was getting married in 1989, he and his fiancée told the priest that they didn’t want a Mass, just a wedding ceremony; Father Kidwell said they needed to find another priest. Another time, Corson was on a campout with the priest and others in the church community. Father Kidwell brought out a black, construction-style lunch box; inside was everything he needed, including a Thermos of wine, to celebrate Mass.

Mass followed by a potluck supper also is trademark Father Kidwell. He would invite everyone to events and then find some way to feed them. It was never organized, Corson said. Somehow, it just always worked out.

“He was so inspiring and so inclusive. I think that was probably his hallmark,” Corson said. “It didn’t matter who you were; he would bring you in, draw you out and would find a place for you in the community. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who came that close to Christ in that respect.”

The Mass will take place at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish, 509 N. Florida Ave., in downtown Tampa. The reception will be held in the parish center.

In true Father Kidwell tradition, there is little coordination beyond the day and time of the Mass and an open invitation. Corson said he hopes those who knew the priest through his service at Sacred Heart, his small faith communities, or his work in schools will come to celebrate and bring their memories and mementos.

“We’re hoping for a large turnout,” he said. “We know there are many people here in the Tampa Bay area that were touched by his life. We’re hoping as many as possible can come out.”

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Potluck tribute (un)organized for Jesuit Father Kidwell

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