"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength;

they will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint..."

Isaiah 40:31

Information on 2nd Lieutenant Nicholas Vogt

January 1, 2012 -- Nick's healing, strength and courage, as well as the faith and trust of his parents and siblings, continues to be inspiring.  Below is a facebook post from Nick's mother, Sheila...

We were greeted with a smile from Nick when we walked into his room today. Seeing those beautiful white teeth was so heart warming. He had about 3 hrs. in the OR today and his remaining open wounds continue to look good. He continues to work on getting off of the vent, but it's very hard work getting his lungs to start performing like they should. One of the doctors explained it to us this way: with the extent of Nick's injuries, he literally feels like he is running a marathon every day due to the fact his body is working so hard to heal itself. This certainly explains why he sleeps so much . . . he is physically exhausted.

(Keep fighting the good fight, Lieutenant Vogt!  Your parish family and community continues to hold you in our prayers and thoughts!)

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"December 1st - We continue to be inspired and encouraged by both Nick's progress and courage, as well as the strength and faith of his parents, Steve and Sheila. Below is an excerpt from Sheila's recent Facebook post on Nick's progress:

"Thanks to everyone for your kind words of support and prayers. These updates are not only for you but they help Steve & I too. It is a nice way to get a "hug" from all of Nick and our friends. Nick was in a long surgery again today. More work on his wounds. The General Surgeon gave us a very good report after the surgery was done. He was smiling a lot during this report. When he was done several of the other doctors that were in the OR room working on Nick (there is still a pretty big team working on him) stopped by Nick's ICU room to tell us about how good things went today in OR. The next big surgery day is planned for Saturday..."
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November 22nd -- PRAISE THE LORD!  "THANKSGIVING" HAS COME A FEW DAYS EARLY FOR THE VOGT FAMILY AND THEIR PARISH FAMILY OF SACRED HEART, BETHLEHEM!  BELOW IS A RECENT FACEBOOK UPDATE FROM SHEILA VOGT.....

"Great news! Through the night Nick "fully" woke up. He looks great. Everyone is very excited. He can't speak due to the trake but he understands what is being said to him. He acknowledges commands and has even given a "thumbs up". He is a very popular guy this morning. We are off to Walter Reed. Give thanks to God for He is good!"
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November 18, 2011 --Today Steve and Sheila arrived in Germany and spent the afternoon at the bedside of Nick.  They were able to be with their son, talk to him, kiss him, pray with him, and reassure him that his mom and dad were there, and that the entire community of Sacred Heart, Bethlehem and beyond were praying for him.  Even though Nick has not gained consciousness, Sheila commented that his eyes would flinch when she and Steve would speak; they know that Nick can hear them.  We continue to pray for Nick and await the time when he regains consciousness, which happens once the heavy sedation wears off.  Steve and Sheila continue to ask for your prayers for Nick--keep them coming!  Father Mike will be announcing at Masses this week plans for prayer opportunities  that will be happening each week for Nick.  For now, Nick continues to heal with the best medicine around:  the grace of God, the love of his mom and dad, and the constant prayers of those who love him!
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November 17, 2011 -- On Saturday, November 12, 2011, Lieutenant Nicholas Vogt was seriously injured in Afghanistan by an IED (roadside explosive) while running to assist a comrade who had been injured.  Both of Nick's legs were amputated and currently he is recovering in a military hospital in Germany.  His parents, Steve and Sheila Vogt, are now en route to be with Nicholas.  The entire Vogt Family, and the entire parish community of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bethlehem continues to storm heaven with prayers of healing.  Several parishioners and members of the community have expressed a sincere desire to help and support Nick and the Vogt Family in some way through contributions, personal assistance, and the possibility of fundraisers. 

Out of respect for the wishes of Steve and Sheila, and of course Nicholas, at this point the family simply asks that the community continues to keep vigilant in prayer for Nick.  Until the family can assess Nick's most pressing needs, please continue to pray for Nick!  In response to overwhelming offers of support from many concerned friends, parishioners and community members, anyone wishing to make a financial donation that will go into a secure account for Nick and the Vogt family for future needs and expenses can be submitted as follows:

Lieutenant Nicholas Vogt Hope Fund
c/o Sacred Heart of Jesus Church
5742 State Route 61 South,
Shelby, Ohio 44875

This parish website will be updated periodically in order to keep our parish family, and the community at large, updated on Lieutenant Vogt's condition and progress.  May God bless you abundantly for your good works and love.

  Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

To You, most sacred Heart of Jesus, I devote my life. To You I consecrate all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings. My whole being shall be devoted to loving, serving, and glorifying You. Be Thou, most blessed and adorable Heart, the sole object of my love, the protector of my life, the pledge of my salvation, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. I trust entirely in your mercy. I place all my confidence in You. Heal in me all that is displeasing to You.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours. Imprint Your Sacred Heart like a seal upon my heart in order that I may never be separated from You. May I be forever consecrated to your glory - ever burning with the flames of your pure love. This is my whole desire - to live, in You: This shall be my happiness, to live and die as your devoted servant. Sweet Heart of Jesus, I implore that I may love You more and more. Amen.