Dear Parish Family,

As Catholics, we believe in the resurrection of life and hope. Funerals are often a topic that is not easily discussed and yet something that needs to be part of a family discussion.  One of our parishioners asked if she could come in and plan her funeral.  She wanted others to know her personal wishes and what had touched her from liturgies she had attended.  She was so happy to have this on file here at St. Mark for when her time comes to go home to the Lord. “Even if death feels to soon, there is a time for everything “(Ecclesiastes 3:2-3).

A funeral enables family and friends to join together in a celebration of life for a loved one.  It is a time to share memories and offer support to those who are grieving. My family has a tradition of sitting around the dining room table and sharing a favorite meal as we share thoughts of our loved one through laughter and tears.  It is always amazing how memories vary from one person to another.

We are blessed to have a dedicated group of ladies serve our bereavement ministry.  From the moment we learn of someone’s passing, our sympathy is extended and in a tangible way, follows through the following year. For those of you who have lost a loved one here at St. Mark, you have received materials each month to help through the grieving process.  Our Memorial Mass in November serves as a special liturgy to those we have lost in the previous year and here we remember “If we have died with Christ, we believe we shall live with Him” ( Romans 6: 3-9).

May our loving God Bless you!

Mary Jo