When I or any priest talks about the importance of preparing for ones' funeral, the one thing we normally take for granted is that there will be a funeral for every baptized person, and "normally" there is. I hope everyone who is reading this pastor's column agrees with "the Church" that the funeral rites that the Church provides, though varied in their form (Vigil or no vigil service, funeral Mass or funeral liturgy outside of Mass) it is presumed that there will be a public gathering for prayer for the sake of the deceased, the family, and the faithful (brothers and sisters in Christ) and anyone who wishes to be there. There are certainly instances and opportunities for gathering before or after a funeral liturgy to have a "Celebration of Life" of a person who has died to remember the person through descriptions and stories. In some (hopefully very few) instances, such a gathering might, in fact, be the only gathering of family, and friends for the person who has died. For the baptized believer, however, who "went into the tomb with Jesus, through the waters of baptism, with the pledge and promise that he or she might live in this world AND BEYOND with Christ, a faith-filled and faith-focused gathering is stronly encouraged and revered. "At the death of a Christian, whoe life of faith was begun in the waters of baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites, with the comforting Word of God and the sacrament of the Eucharist." (Order of Christian funerals #4). Immediately following, it states that "Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just. The Mass, the memorial of Christ's death and resurrection, is the principal celebrations of teh Christian funeral." (Order of Christian funerals #5). It seems clear that the funeral rites, in addition to being of benefit to the baptized believer who has died, commending the dead to God's merciful love and pleading for their foooorgiveness of sins (Order of Christian funerals #6), also for the living as it brings conslation and hope to them (#7). I hope you would agree with me that it is appropriate (and for some who die without much if any biological family and/or friends, practical) that we offer a Mass for some of the deceased at one of our regularly scheduled times for Mass, for the Church says in these gatherings (or those at other times) each member fo Christ's Body rightly participates in the "ministry of consolation"; to pray  for the dead and comfort those who mourn. I will continue to encourage everyone in our faith community to join me in our funeral liturgies whether you personally knew the person who died or not. As I (and I hope others) invite and encourage all of you to respond to your baptismal call to service according to your gifts and talents (and interests), the ministry of consolation which is best shown at funeral liturgies is something for "ALL OF US" to do for our deceased brothers and sisters in Christ and for their families (and also for the blessings it brings to us) as such liturgies look beyond what we see to what we can't see, but that exists for eternal happiness and peace with Christ for all his chosen ones!!

In my early uears (starting at the age of six) I fondly recall my dad waking me up to go with him to 6:00 a.m. Mass at St John's Church in Hot Springs. I sat alone in the sparsely populated pews and witnessed him as an usher at Mass every Sunday. I also was blessed to witness my older brother, Joe, serving Mass at St Mary's Church (in Hot Springs) and was so happy when I was old enough to join him as an "altar boy". Seeing my dad and brother serving the Church in these ways provided a wonderful example to me of the importance of doing my part as a member of God's faith family, just as I was inspired (or initially made) to do my part in my biological family to support the household (with my chores). Obviously, these experiences had a big influence on my vocation to the priesthood as I saw both of my parents give and give and give to their children, to others, and to the Church. I also realize that the older one is, the harder it can be to try something new. I must say, however, how wonderful it's been to see people in this parish (and in others) who step forward to serve the Lord in various ways as a member of their faith family. This includes liturgical ministries and other ways of serving the Lord and others in ministries and activities this parish offers. While some ministries and activities are in the public eye, especially liturgical ministries, there are others that happen behind the scenes in people's homes and in the large community. We have our rosary makers and prayer shawl makers who work here, and in their homes to create these items fot the use of others. Our Helping Hands Ministry provides an array of opportunities to offer help to parishioners who can no longer meet all these needs on their own for a short time, due to health issues, or on an ongoing basis, as they try to stay or (some would say survive in their homes). One dear parishioner, Gisela Heumann, who recently died, was largely confined to her home, but headed up the "Buddy" phone chain that connects people so that a person who lives alone communicates (usually by phone) one a day with another person in a similar situation to make sure each is okay and to at least hear one familiar voice every day. Another of our shut-ins that I take Communion to in her home, has told me how she appreciates a "thinking of you" type card in the mail every week from a Helping Hands volunteer that lets her know someone is thinking of her. I hope you will look (or have already looked) at the insert in the bulletin this week and consider becoming a "helping Hands" volunteer in one or more of the areas listed on the insert and mail it to Cathy Wedwick (address is on the bottom of the form) or turn it in to the church office. Unlike iturgical ministries in which a person is scheduled on a specific day and time, "Helping Hands" volunteers can say yes or no when a need is presented depending on whether they can do it and are give fair notice about the need (unless, on rare occaisions it is a last minute need). While our Helping Hands ministry is unique compared to other parishes that I have served, the needs of this parish are unique in some ways, and I say "The Blessings" that come from helping others in one or a number of ways are many! Won't you please help out?

Our VIP (Very Important Parishioner) program here at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish not only provides the opportunity to recognize and thank those who have served and some who are serving their fellow parishioners (and others) in a variety of ways, it also reminds or informs us of the various ministries and activities we have happening in our parish, may of which happen in most Catholic parishes throughout the world. Some we offer here, however, are unique in that they help us be the best version of ourselves in spirit, mind and body, which benefits us and, hopefully, others as well. Our VIP for the month of May, Linda Broome, has certainly been the right person for developing physical fitness for those who choose to come to the lower hall on Tuesdays AND Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (Fit & Balanced) and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Chair Strech & Balance). She also arranged for a Mat Yoga class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the days mentioned above. To say that Linda is "competent" in helping people (in individual and group sessions) need to be fleshed out by saying she is enthusiastic about what she does, has been committed to her own physical fitness over the years, and has the cretivity to make exercise sessions FUN and beneficial to those who give her time to work with them. She make a very good case to say that phusical activity is especially important for those who, due to what I call "the aging condition" are generally not as active as before in day-to-day life and therefore need scheduled and regular times to stretch their muscles, improve their balance, and get their heart rate up in ways that are helpful to them! She takes the time to listen to and talk to the people who come for exercise and shows in others that she truly cares about each person who comes to her class. She affirms and encourages people and reminds her fellow exercisers to do only what they feel comfortable doing without judgement from her and anyone else who is there. While Linda has a loving husband, Johnny for 40 years, children and grandchildren, three sisters and her mother (in Memphis), she sees those who come to her classes as extended family and whom she loves and loves to help function through the exercise she does with them and what she encourages them to do on their own. Linda also stepped up to the plate as a member of the Parish Life Commission and, for the second year, serves on the parish council as one of two representatives from that commission. She is a member of LOSH and has participated in the Cancer Walk here in the Village, and helped raise funds for the Animal Welfare League of Hot Springs Village (most recently with her "acting" skills in Gil Duran's Mystery Dinner Theater). Most people see her as a "go getter" who seems happiest when around people who are exercising with her. Thanks, Linda, for being the "moving" force behind our exercise program that benefits our parishioners and people in the community at large. You are a blessing to many!