In my homily for Pentecost, I reflected on the ways I have witnessed the Holy Spirit working in the minds and especially the hearts of people in our parish this past Easter Season. I talked about Steve Angrisano who gave a wonderful mission for three nights early in the Easter Season. I also talked about our Knights of Columbus who received six awards at the state Knights of Columbus Convention, and all the charitable work they do throughout the year - not only in the Easter Season (like the Seminarian Fundraising Dinner this past Saturday which raised around $31,000 for the education and formation of our Arkansas seminarians). Then at our Helping Hands banquet, we recongnized the Spirit-filled witness of our leaders, Cathy Wedwick and Pat Widlowski, and all the volunteers who have used their time and talents to help those of our parish who need a "Helping Hand" because of their situation in life right now. People like Emma Jo Fritz (now of happy memory) have been able to stay in their homes and in the Village because of the kindness of people who provide services and a caring presence that enhances their lives in ways that cannot be adequately stated in words. We appreciate and have prayers of gratitude for all the faith-filled people of our parish who continually help others.
As I write this pastor's column, I am planning and preparing to celebrate three funeral Masses in succeeding days. In so doing I realize, once again, how valuable and helpful it is for our parishioners to make decisions about their wishes about what they want to happen after they die, to their family members; and if they want -- to us here at the church.
Now that cremation is allowed (though not promoted) by the Church, one of the first decisions is whether to have one's body in a casket at the funeral followed by burial or interment in a mausoleum (traditional), OR one's body at the funeral in a rented casket and then cremation, and interment of urn in the ground or a columbarium. (This option is the one preferred and promoted by the Church if cremation is to happen). The third option is to have a funeral Mass, with or without the cremated remains being present for the Mass.
There are some situations where family members are already here before their loved one dies. Given the reality that it may be more than a few days before the cremated remains are ready for the funeral Mass, the family can choose to have a Memorial Mass for their loved one (including the prayers and readings from a funeral Mass) and then - when the cremated remains are ready, family members who are still here and friends who are invited, can gather for the service of interment at the cemetery columbarium.
I can attest that it is a tremendous blessing for the surviving spouse and/or children if their deceased loved one has made decisions and choices before they died and so relieve the family of doing this at a time of stress and grief.
You can call me at 209-2502 or Deacon John at 226-9035 if you want assistance in any or all of the deisions you can make in advance of your death. Please also note that more and more people are choosing to have the rosary prayed thirty minutes before the funeral Mass instead of gathering to do this at a Vigil Service the night before a funeral. If this concern is not brought up or decided ahead of the person's death, I will offer it as an option to the family of the deceased.
Now that cremation is allowed (though not promoted) by the Church, one of the first decisions is whether to have one's body in a casket at the funeral followed by burial or interment in a mausoleum (traditional), OR one's body at the funeral in a rented casket and then cremation, and interment of urn in the ground or a columbarium. (This option is the one preferred and promoted by the Church if cremation is to happen). The third option is to have a funeral Mass, with or without the cremated remains being present for the Mass.
There are some situations where family members are already here before their loved one dies. Given the reality that it may be more than a few days before the cremated remains are ready for the funeral Mass, the family can choose to have a Memorial Mass for their loved one (including the prayers and readings from a funeral Mass) and then - when the cremated remains are ready, family members who are still here and friends who are invited, can gather for the service of interment at the cemetery columbarium.
I can attest that it is a tremendous blessing for the surviving spouse and/or children if their deceased loved one has made decisions and choices before they died and so relieve the family of doing this at a time of stress and grief.
You can call me at 209-2502 or Deacon John at 226-9035 if you want assistance in any or all of the deisions you can make in advance of your death. Please also note that more and more people are choosing to have the rosary prayed thirty minutes before the funeral Mass instead of gathering to do this at a Vigil Service the night before a funeral. If this concern is not brought up or decided ahead of the person's death, I will offer it as an option to the family of the deceased.
A look back and a look ahead is someting I find myself doing with regard to two subjects, Memorial Day and Ordination Day, both of which are happening this weekend.
On Memorial Day we look back and give thanks to God for those who have served their country in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice of their life for the cause of freedom and justice and all that our country stands for that is good and noble. We should always look at the present and the future, and pray for those who choose to serve in the military, first responders, and our veterans on an ongoing basis. Mike Murphy of our parish, whose funeral Mass will be on Saturday, June 1, reminded me often to "pray for the troops" which came in part from his own service to our country in the Marines and Marine reserves for a total of 20 years, which included some time in Vietnam.
Also the Ordination of Jon Misken to the Priesthood for service in the Diocese of Little Rock this weekend, gives me pause to look back. I remember when he and my nephew Stephen came to us for two weeks of the summer early on in their formation. John returned to visit us a number of times, including being one of our speakers at our annual seminarian fundraising dinner. I also look back at those who have supported our Arkansas seminarians (including Father Nelson Rubio), and encouraged our seminarians during their time of formation. I thank all of you, and pray more of your will join this ongoing cause (especially through our seminarian fundraising dinner on June 8 this year).
I look ahead and ask you to join with me in prayer especially for our many priests who have been ordained in the last ten years, that they will continue to grow in their commitment to the Lord and to the people they are called to serve. Remember in your prayers, our current seminarians, including our own Jonathon Semmler. He has witnessed your support of seminarians in the past and now appreciates and benefits from your support of him and his brother seminarians in Arkansas.
On Memorial Day we look back and give thanks to God for those who have served their country in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice of their life for the cause of freedom and justice and all that our country stands for that is good and noble. We should always look at the present and the future, and pray for those who choose to serve in the military, first responders, and our veterans on an ongoing basis. Mike Murphy of our parish, whose funeral Mass will be on Saturday, June 1, reminded me often to "pray for the troops" which came in part from his own service to our country in the Marines and Marine reserves for a total of 20 years, which included some time in Vietnam.
Also the Ordination of Jon Misken to the Priesthood for service in the Diocese of Little Rock this weekend, gives me pause to look back. I remember when he and my nephew Stephen came to us for two weeks of the summer early on in their formation. John returned to visit us a number of times, including being one of our speakers at our annual seminarian fundraising dinner. I also look back at those who have supported our Arkansas seminarians (including Father Nelson Rubio), and encouraged our seminarians during their time of formation. I thank all of you, and pray more of your will join this ongoing cause (especially through our seminarian fundraising dinner on June 8 this year).
I look ahead and ask you to join with me in prayer especially for our many priests who have been ordained in the last ten years, that they will continue to grow in their commitment to the Lord and to the people they are called to serve. Remember in your prayers, our current seminarians, including our own Jonathon Semmler. He has witnessed your support of seminarians in the past and now appreciates and benefits from your support of him and his brother seminarians in Arkansas.