A Word from Your Pastor - September 7

Dear Parishioners:

We have experienced a number of deaths in our parish family lately.  Some long-time and active parishioners have been called Home and many families in our parish have lost close family members elsewhere.  Our Bereavement Ministry and Resurrection Choir have been working overtime.  We are very blessed to have such a compassionate community to be present to those who experience the loss of loved ones.

It seems an appropriate time to offer a few notes that may be helpful to all of us as we look toward planning for the day we will come to the end of this life’s journey.  I have personally been edified by the preparations offered by those who have died that have made the experience - not quite easier - but simpler for those left behind.

At the moment someone you love dies, it is hard to think, so often families are not sure just what to do.  Having a list of who should be contacted is helpful.  Please be sure to list the St. Timothy Parish Office (451-2671) among those who are notified.  In fact, if you or someone you love is ill, let us know early in the process. 

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion, at home or elsewhere, are very consoling to those who are ill and to their families.  “Last Rites” include Confession and Absolution (with the Apostolic Pardon), Anointing, and Holy Communion as Viaticum.”  Since we know not the day nor the hour, we ought not to miss the opportunity for the touch of Sacramental Grace.  The sooner we know, the sooner we can assist the family as well.

Planning for the Funeral Services include a few details:  What Funeral Home will you use?  It is best to choose one that is very familiar with the Catholic funeral rites.  The Catholic Funeral includes three sites:  A Prayer Vigil at the Funeral Home, Mass at a Catholic Church, and the Rite of Committal at the Cemetery.  The preference is to have the body (which served as a temple for the Holy Spirit) present for the time of visitation and for the Funeral Mass.  If cremation takes place, then the cremains are kept intact and a Rite of Committal can take place later.  If cremation takes place before the Funeral Mass, then the cremains may be present at the Mass and Committal follows.  It is considered disrespectful to “sprinkle the ashes” of a human being in various locations or to divide them.  Our own human nature needs to have a place to “visit” where the loved one’s earthly remains are to be found.  Interment in a cemetery or columbarium is the Catholic practice.

On the day of the Funeral, our parish offers the option of a Bereavement Meal following the Funeral and the Service at the Cemetery.  The team need to know an approximate number of attendees expected.

In recent times, families have been grateful that their loved ones picked out Readings and songs for the funeral beforehand.  A booklet for this and a guide to the songs that may be chosen are available in the Parish Office.

Sometimes there are things you wish you could say to loved ones that they are not able to hear due to life’s complexities.  A letter left with your funeral preferences and plans can be very consoling.  Write a letter to those left behind and let them know that you have thought about them experiencing this moment of grief.  It will help more than you can imagine.

The Bereavement Committee tries to keep track of loved ones who have died through the course of a year in order to remember them on All Souls’ Day each year.  If you lose a family member, even if the funeral is held elsewhere, please let us know so that person’s name can be in the list for the All Souls’ Mass of Remembrance.  This year we will have that celebration at the Noon Mass Sunday, November 2^nd.

To all families who have lost loved one, we offer our sincerest condolences.  We recall that for those who have Faith, death is not the final word.  Life is changed, not ended.  We will meet again in the Kingdom. 

Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.  Amen.  May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.