As Catholics, we believe in the resurrection of life and hope. Funeralsare often a topic that is not easily discussed and yet something that needs tobe 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 wishesand what had touched her from liturgies she had attended. She was so happy tohave 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 lifefor a loved one. It is a time to share memories and offer support to thosewho are grieving. My family has a tradition of sitting around the dining roomtable and sharing a favorite meal as we share thoughts of our loved one throughlaughter and tears. It is always amazing how memories vary from one personto another.
We are blessed to have a dedicated group of ladies serve our bereavementministry. From the moment we learn of someone’s passing, our sympathy isextended and in a tangible way, follows through the following year. For thoseof you who have lost a loved one here at St. Mark, you have received materialseach month to help through the grieving process. Our Memorial Mass inNovember 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 livewith Him” ( Romans 6: 3-9).