From: FR. JIM MCCARTNEY
Re: Rev. Lawrence Hemp
It is with great sadness that the Lubbock community takes note of the death of Rev. Lawrence Hemp. Fr. Larry was ordained for service to the Diocese of Amarillo in December of 1967. His first assignment was to Our Lady of Grace Parish in Lubbock. In his almost fifty years of service he pastored parishes across the breath of the Diocese. He ministered not only to Catholic Christians, but to many wider and broader groups of people throughout our area and state. He will be deeply missed.
Fr. Larry was very clear about his desire not to have some elaborate church celebration and funeral. He thought that his life should speak for itself. The dispossession of his remains will be a private affair. However, there will be a Memorial Mass of Thanksgiving at Our Lady of Grace on Sunday, February 12, at 5:00 pm, the regular parish Sunday evening prayer. Any and all of Fr. Larry’s friends, those who shared ministry with him, and any member of the area community that he cherished so much are welcome to come and thank God for this fine man, son, priest, and citizen.
We loved Fr. Larry so much!
Unbelievably wonderful positive homilies. Great historical information presented in backdrop to the readings. That is what I appreciated most when attending a Father Larry Mass.
I asked Larry once if he believed in all the Catholic teachings, and did he believe in the Bible’s many books as truly God’s word?
He said, if it turns out not be true, then I’m the biggest fool of all since I became a priest!
Rest in Peace, Father Larry. Thank you for your knowledge and fierce opposition to anything or anyone in your way…..more like a force of nature than a priest.
Will Father Larry’s memorial be in Lubbock or Amarillo? Was told Amarillo.
Great town had fun
Thank you for your kindness.
Fr. Larry was my dearest friend and mentor. Over the years I have witnessed God working through Larry not only in my life, but in scores of others. He is truly an example of the truth that was Christ’s teachings. What a powerful and lovely human being. He is now looking down on us from his place in the eternal. It was Christ himself who said “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Larry is there now. God bless you brother Larry, you will never be far away
Rest In Peace