I want to thank you again for meeting with James and I this past week. Although we dove back into an insane schedule over the last few days, not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about and put to practice the guidance you gave us. I can never begin to tell you how much you helped us...and I suspect will continue to do so. You came into our lives when we truly needed it and made us realize how important we are to one another and made me remember how important God is to me and to the success of my relationships. It truly was a gift and words cannot express the impact it has made. I know James would agree with me on this. God bless and thank you again.
-Jenn
Dear Father Rich
Thank you so much for helping us see [our spirituality] more clearly ... Last night, Matthew led prayer for us before our meal and it was so beautiful. We prayed for strength for Sarah in meeting her challenges, and she was very present in the experience. We also acknowledged all the blessings we've received from Matthew's parents and my parents, in this their wedding anniversary week (Matthew and I have a combined 116 years of witnessing their phenomenal example, so we should be getting this parenting stuff right!) Matthew's prayer set the tone for great dinner conversation. So much so, that Sarah completely opened up and went to some length to explain that she feels [about] her current challenges ... Matthew's great prayer definitely created a beautiful setting, an atmosphere where Sarah felt very comfortable, and as a result, greater unity in our triad.
We love you -
Alice and Matthew
Hi Father Rich
I also wanted to let you know that Dan and I attending his brother (Andrew's) wedding a few weeks ago. It was very nice, but more importantly, there were so many people who came up to Dan and I (who were also at our wedding) who complimented YOU! You really made quite an impression. Our ceremony was so heart-felt. I for one have never been to one so beautiful. I know I'm biassed...but the dozens of others who raved about it aren't. Just thought I would pass along to you.
Hope all is well -
Alida
Dear Fr. Rich,
Where to begin? We feel so lucky to have met you, to have gotten the chance to know you and learn from you, and to have you officiate on one of the most important days of our lives. We know that our wedding ceremony would be special, but I think we were both bowled over by how touching, intimate, and meaningful it turned out to be. Your words and your warmth meant so much to us, and to our family and friends. We are so happy that we've gotten to spend this time with you, and look forward to further get togethers. Thank you for becoming a part of our lives, and for playing such an important role in this amazing time in our lives.
Much love,
Julie and Chris
Father Rich,
You were everything we needed you to be - patient, kind, helpful and most important FUN! We enjoyed getting to know you and feel that you have helped us to reestablish our faith. We don't want this to be goodbye, so we look forward to sharing our ideas and thoughts with you when we get back! Thank you! Love,
Susan and Jeff
Father Rich,
What a moving and simply magical wedding ceremony! We were truly blessed to have found you. Thank you for your loving words, your guidance, encouragement and continued support. We look forward to seeing you soon, and we promise to send you pictures as well.
Love,
Jillian and David
Reverend Hasselbach.
Your (Memorial) service for John was so personal and cherishable that I can't let it go unnoticed. It was as if you had met John and were reflecting on your experiences together. In your name I have made a donation to the Hospice of the Foothills Foundation. They did so many things, medically, emotionally, efficiently to help Johnny and me through his last days that I will forever be their staunch supporter. Your prayers, thoughts and sincerity will always be with me.
Thank you,
April
Dear Fr Rich
Thank you for performing such a beautiful ceremony. Our wedding day was amazing, and every day since has been an absolute joy. Your kindness and words of wisdom will always be remembered. Thanks again. All our best.
Matthew and Susan
Dear Fr. Rich
Yesterday we finally received (our son's) wedding video...The highlight for both of us was the ceremony. We were able to hear your homily in full - without the emotions attached that day. It was so personal and touching that both of our hearts were full watching it.
You did a remarkable job and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts...God is many places, obviously, but he certainly was IN that church for their special day.
Again, thank you for your meetings with them, your input, and your presentation for their wedding. We'll keep you in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Donna
Dear Father Rich,
Thank you again for meeting with us last week. We had a great time! We really appreciate having found such a kind person to marry us. Take care,
Kristen and Mike
Dear Father Rich -
We are so glad that we found you. You're a wonderful priest and person. We both felt very comfortable with you since the first day we met you.
Thank you and God bless you
Chrissy and Billy
Better late, than never, Father.
I just wanted to email you and tell you how much I enjoyed your sermon at Erin's wedding last September. It was the best one I've heard at a wedding. You're to be congratulated on your thoughtfulness and candor in your message.
So please excuse the lateness of my note but it is nevertheless well meant.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth, long time friend of the family
How are you Fr Rich??
We are fine. Back to our normal lives, working, working... We wanted to thank you for being so sweet and kind to us, during all the preparations for our wedding. Everybody loved your words, and you definitely touched our hearts. We were sooo lucky to find you and now we hope you get to stay in our lives for a long long time!!
Thanks again,
the La Pias (Oh... don't you love it?!)
Dear Father Rich,
Michael and I wanted to send our thanks for the wonderful job you did performing our ceremony. The ceremony was so perfect for us and you really understood the people we were from the few times we met to plan our special day. I loved our ceremony for the spiritual, religious and fun ceremony. We have gotten so many comments on how well the ceremony was and how well you knew Michael and I and put together a perfect mixture of everything. Our ceremony, was more than we could have hoped for and have you to thank for that.
Thank you again for being the person you are. I’ve attached one of my favorite pictures so far.
Alyssa & Michael
Dear Father Rich
I want you to know that your kindness and support were extremely helpful to me. ... Kevin and I are doing well, we grow and learn every day, and your words and kindness will never be forgotten. I appreciate everything you did for us.
Thanks again and God bless
Amanda
Father Rich,
The Ceremony was amazing. Thank you so much for all you have done for us.
Love,
Jen and Pete
Dear Father Rich,
The service was very beautiful and touching, and people kept comming up to us all night to mention it.The general comment was that it was a long time since they had experienced such an interactive and joyful ceremony with so many words of wisdom. My friend Joselyn (the one who sang) was especially impressed with you. She mentioned that you had some time to converse with her before the ceremony.
We are very happy to have found you (one more wonderful coincidence). Thank you again, for guiding us steadily through the most important transition in our life!
Love
Maggie and Eirik
Fr. Rich,
Just wanted to reach out and thank you for being part of our wedding day. Denise and I were very thankful that you took the time to listen to our "love story" and to get to know us. Your input and direction in planning the ceremony took alot of pressure off us and added to the whole experience. It was a perfect day and we were blessed. I will remember it always,not for the food, the flowers or the music, but for the sun filled crisp winter day,the words that were spoken and the love that was shared. It was very humbling to be in a room filled with our families, friends and all those who had touched our lives.
I wanted to also share a moment from that day that will stay with me always. I was glad that you stayed after the ceremony to get to know our families and friends. When you were getting ready to leave and after saying your good byes, you took two steps down the stairs and JUMPED the remaining few steps (and Father you are not a small man!!) You were just so filled with the spirit. I smiled from ear to ear.
Please know that your words added so much to our day and we are truely thankful.
Steve & Denise
Father Rich,
I can't begin to thank you enough for everything you have done for us! Thank you for giving us a beautiful and perfect wedding ceremony. Thank you for taking the time before the wedding for getting to know us as people, and for giving us the opportunity to get to know you! You gave us the most wonderful wedding with memories that will last a life tome. We are looking forward to seeing you again!
With Love & God Bless
Deanna & Tony
Father Rich,
It was great meeting you last week. Jen and I are excited and honored to have you as the Officiant for our wedding. Your positive outlook on church, community, religion, spirituality and life in general are exactly what we sought. We look forward to getting to know you better over the coming months and learning more about how we can bring God, religion and spirituality into our marriage.
Chris
Dear Father Hasselbach,
Thank you so much for being such a vital part of our wedding. We couldn't have made it so beautiful without your wonderful ceremony.
Thank you,
Love,
Chris & Grace
Dear Father Richard,
Merry Christmas!
We hope everything is going well with you and your family! We love you! Our wedding ceremony would not have been as special as it was if it wasn't for you and your wit, wisdom, and understanding of faith and love. I can't even begin to count the number of people who told us how great you were and how beautiful the ceremony was. We really appreciated the time that you spent getting to know us and Lydia. You honestly felt like a part of our family! Thanks for everything!
Love,
Elena, Mark, and Lydia Jordon
Hello Father Richard,
Lutz and I cannot believe it's been over three
weeks since our big day. Since we're receiving many pictures of the wedding from our friends and family, we often think about the ceremony you created in such a short period of time. Your ceremony was wonderful, and we'll cherish your words for a long time. Harue
Hey Father Rich, It's Clinton writing you... Melissa and I just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for the service you delivered for us. I wanted to thank you at the wedding, but we kind of got swept away. We had so much fun at the wedding and I think you deserve a great deal of credit for setting a light, yet emotionally profound mood to the day. I really enjoyed your delivery and all the great points you made about life, the journey taken, and the guidance we receive that help us along the way. We received compliments ALL NIGHT LONG regarding the service and how great it all went...
Dear Fr. Rich,
Thanks so much for the beautiful service. Despite the rain outside you could still feel the love and warmth in the room and that is what was important. I really didn't get a chance to thank you that day as I was being pulled in all directions, So I do apologize. So thank you! It was better than I had anticipated.
Tyra
Dear Fr. Rich: Dave and I are back from our honeymoon in South Africa and we had a fabulous time. We wanted to thank you for the wonderful ceremony you performed for us. There was a very positive sprit in the room and alot of our guests commented that it was one of the best ceremonies they've ever attended. Thank you again for your invaluable assistance in preparing Dave and I for our big day. You gave us much to think about and I know it helped us create a heartfelt and meaningful service. All best, Eve
Dear Fr. Rich,
The Christening couldn't have gone better. It was a beautiful day, and you did a wonderful job. I received numerous compliments on your sermon, and how passionately you spoke. Thank you, it was everything I wanted it to be. You were missed at lunch, however.
I am so thankful that Chris and I met you. It is so nice to feel a tie to the church without feeling like a hypocrite for attending a formal church that I don't completely agree with. Chris was so skeptical about any religious ties on any level until he met Fr Ryan. He adored Fr Ryan and they had some really great talks. Fr Ryan promoted a kind of religious spiritualism that Chris really got. When Fr Ryan passed, and the topic of religion came up again in my and Chris' relationship with Ethan's impending birth, I became worried all over again that we would have a hard time finding some middle ground. Then we met you, and you reminded Chris that our relationship with God is inside of us, not necessarily inside some building with pretty glass windows. We both loved the thought of our family being our church, a thought we had never had until you brought it up... so thank you. We both look forward to a continued relationship with you, and want very much to stay in touch. I would also appreciate your address so I can send a long a Christmas card.
Best Regards,
Cassie
Hi Father Rich-- How are you? I've been meaning to thank you for performing such a lovely ceremony, you did a great job bringing together the 2 religions, it was just perfect, I still have people telling me how wonderful it was, we truly appreciate it. ...And thank you for keeping us in your prayers, you are in ours as well. Take care and thanks again for everything!!! Best- Jenn