Bulletins
November 2, 2014
Download the Bulletin as a PDFNovember is a natural time to do something unnatural like planning our Funeral. Priests of the Diocese are expected to have our Funeral arrangements on file with the Chancery. I need to update mine. They are on top of my desk or rather under a pile of more interesting and more timely pieces of paper. I happen to be an expert at priest funerals, having buried my first pastor of my first parish, my first pastor of my second parish and the newly retired pastor of my third parish. My fourth parish assignment was to replace a pastor who had just passed away. Ahem.
When I “make” my funeral arrangements I know that I am only really making suggestions. Whoever the pastor is of the parish and whoever the bishop is the diocese will weigh in. I just hope Fr. Scalia says nice things about me. By that time I will have seen God and been judged. As St. Monica said to St. Augustine, “Bury my body wherever you will; let not care of it cause you any concern. One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.” That you pray will benefit me, how you pray will benefit you. The sacred liturgy is governed by the Church and even some my preferences are not currently permitted by the Church.
I mention this because we are sometimes caught between a rock and a hard place when a loved one’s wishes are contrary to our better judgment or even the law. To help you then, or even now in advance, the parish has a Funeral Planning Booklet. Copies of it will be available in the bulletin boxes and in the vestibule during the month of November. We try to make the Funeral Liturgy at St. John beautiful, just like our Sunday Masses, especially this Sunday since it is All Souls Day. For all of beloved dead, and one day for us too, the Church prays:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
God bless you.
Fr. Christopher J. Pollard
p.s. Speaking of beauty… just in time for Friday’s Confirmation Mass we have been visited by the Holy Spirit. The sculpture in the church dome, the beautiful deep blue night sky and the newly visible colored glass windows should be drawing eyes upward in Church, which is much more pleasant than looking at the priest. Thank you to everyone who made sacrifices for our temporary Mass and Adoration arrangement in the Gymnasium, most especially Ann Thunder, John Balint, James Senson, Patrick Quest, Sew & So Forths, the Legion of Mary and all of you! I think the sacrifices paid off.
