Joane and Erny McDonough
Joane and Erny McDonough, pastors of Fisherman’s Chapel, were honored as the 2016 Citizens of the Year at the February 11 Sweetheart Banquet in Port O’Connor. The Sweetheart Banquet is a much-anticipated, well-attended, yearly event held for the enjoyment of the community by Port O’Connor’s First Baptist Church. In addition to all the preparation and work that goes into an event like this, those on the Banquet committee put careful thought into honoring a person or persons whom they feel have been a real asset to the community. Considering their dedication to the Port O’Connor community for the past 20-plus years, the McDonoughs were a natural choice to receive this honor.
Leaving their careers in finance in Houston, and moving to Port O’Connor, “the end of the road”, was quite an adjustment. Instead of everything you need at your fingertips, there was Alvin’s Food Store and POC Hardware and that was about it. But Erny didn’t just sit back and enjoy the quiet laid-back atmosphere. He set out to knock on every door in town, meeting everyone he could, spreading God’s Word and inviting everyone who didn’t have a church home to Fisherman’s Chapel.
It wasn’t long before Erny and Joane were busier than they’d ever imagined they could be. In addition to preaching and pastoral care, Erny was meeting folks and making friends working as a carpenter and helping Joane out with her housekeeping business. Joane also worked at the Dolphin Talk and was instrumental in keeping the paper going after the death of editor Margaret Jennings.
About 15 years ago, they came up with the idea of “Friday Night Youth”, a time when all kids of the community could come together for food, fun and fellowship. With help from church and community members, “Friday Night Youth” is still going strong.
While continuing her commitment to the church’s children’s programs and the many duties of a pastor’s wife, Joane attended college and earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling, a skill she currently uses both professionally and personally. She has also become an ordained minister, preaching and teaching at women’s conferences in the area.
Erny is known by those who fish Poco Bueno as the guy at the dock who asks if they’d like to contribute their catch to those less fortunate. Many fishermen are generous with their catches, and hundreds of needy people receive fresh fish. When Erny and Joane’s son, Ray, arrives back at the parsonage yard, many church members and friends are there to clean and package the day’s catch. Other tournaments, such as Lone Star Shoot Out, have contributed their catches also, making Erny and his many helpers responsible for processing and distributing thousands of pounds of needed protein-rich food.
Erny enjoys the spirit of comaraderie between the Port O’Connor churches and says his greatest desire is for Port O’Connor to be known, not as just a great place for fishing, but a community where Christ’s love is evident to all who venture here.
Some people might think there’s nothing much to do in a place like Port O’Connor, but most residents will tell you there’s plenty to do if you’re willing to get involved. And Erny and Joane McDonough are certainly involved: preaching and teaching, counseling and serving, helping with fishing tournaments or helping others through the food pantry; they never stop. Friday Night Youth, Warriors Weekend, Men’s and Women’s Retreats, Kid’s Camps, Chili Cookoffs, Kooky Christmas in August and ManCamp at the farm…these are just some of the ministries and outreach programs that these two have led.
With kids and grandkids close by and lots of mentoring and helping others, they have no free time, but they do have a commitment level that is incomparable and a heart for serving others no matter the cost.
Congratulations, Joane and Erny! You deserve it! Blessings on you as you continue to serve!
