Our community lost a truly great and faithful man on Thursday.

As friends, parishioners and community leaders gather together today to celebrate the life of the Rev. John Brock, we’re certain each will remember Father Brock in a special way.

For generations of Cathedral sports fans, Brock was a fixture in end zone of the Green Wave games, pacing as he rooted for the team and school he loved so much.

For Catholics in Natchez and several other communities around the state of Mississippi, Brock will be remembered as a faithful servant of the Lord.

He served in pastoral roles in several parishes for 47 years and was a longtime teacher at St. Joseph High School in Jackson.

Perhaps it is in the role of teacher that Brock shined best. In a way, he was always teaching those around him.

From leading trips to Europe to the simple blessings he provided to Cathedral sports teams before they took the field, he taught through his actions.

The sports blessings, Brock was known to explain, did not glorify winning, but simply promoted safety and having fun on the field.

While the man has left this earth, his spirit, passion and lessons for our community will be felt for many years to come.