Normally my pastor's column is meant to speak equally to all (or at least most) parishioners on issues and reflections that I hope are both interesting and helpful to all who read it. This week, I want to reach out to two different groups within the same column.
Ther first group is those who have lost a family member or close friend through death this year of 2018. Such a loss may have changed your world greatly (if it was a spouse), significantly, or at least in some way. You have a bond with others who also lost someone special to them. While some of you lost loved ones who died here, others had loved ones die who lived far from Hot Springs Village, and their funeral services were far away from us. I would hope all of you would consider participating in our annual Parish Mass of Remembrance on Tuesday, December 11 at 9:00 a.m. While acknowledging the loss and grief that you have or are still going through, we will give thanks for the life that these special people lived and lift them up to the Lord as we pray for the happy repose of their souls. PLEASE join us for Mass and if you can, for the reception that follows.
The second group I want to speak to are those who have NOT lost a loved one in this past year. Just as some of you are so good about participating in Masses of Resurrection for deceased parishioners that happen here, so I hope and pray that you will make the effort to participate in this Parish Mass of Remembrance that will be offered for relatives and close friends of your fellow parishioners, some of whom died here and some who died away from here which means you were not there for them (both the deceased and their family members) at the place where their funeral was held. The call of the spiritual works of mercy (which includes praying for the dead) is always before us and this special Mass is a wonderful opportunity for ALL OF US to gather in prayer for the recently-deceased and offer support to those who have grieved or are grieving the passing from this life of people special to them. Of course you are also invited to the reception of eats and drinks that follows this Mass.
Ther first group is those who have lost a family member or close friend through death this year of 2018. Such a loss may have changed your world greatly (if it was a spouse), significantly, or at least in some way. You have a bond with others who also lost someone special to them. While some of you lost loved ones who died here, others had loved ones die who lived far from Hot Springs Village, and their funeral services were far away from us. I would hope all of you would consider participating in our annual Parish Mass of Remembrance on Tuesday, December 11 at 9:00 a.m. While acknowledging the loss and grief that you have or are still going through, we will give thanks for the life that these special people lived and lift them up to the Lord as we pray for the happy repose of their souls. PLEASE join us for Mass and if you can, for the reception that follows.
The second group I want to speak to are those who have NOT lost a loved one in this past year. Just as some of you are so good about participating in Masses of Resurrection for deceased parishioners that happen here, so I hope and pray that you will make the effort to participate in this Parish Mass of Remembrance that will be offered for relatives and close friends of your fellow parishioners, some of whom died here and some who died away from here which means you were not there for them (both the deceased and their family members) at the place where their funeral was held. The call of the spiritual works of mercy (which includes praying for the dead) is always before us and this special Mass is a wonderful opportunity for ALL OF US to gather in prayer for the recently-deceased and offer support to those who have grieved or are grieving the passing from this life of people special to them. Of course you are also invited to the reception of eats and drinks that follows this Mass.