In the span of about 18 hours I was able to witness two Masses of rememberance. Last night at Most Holy Trinity Parish, every family who had lost a loved one in the previous year was invited to be present for a Mass to remember! Over 30 names of deceased loved ones; many of whom were parishioners at MHT, were read with reverence after the homily as a family member came forward and placed a single white rose near the altar. I witnessed this last year for the first time at MHT and vowed to never miss this special Mass. It was so beautiful and faithful to our Catholic teaching on, not only remembering, but praying for the dead.
Today, at the Archdiocese Diaconate Center, Deacons and families, along with our candidates, gathered for Mass to remember those in the diaconate that came before us and to especially remember those who passed away in the last year. We read the names of the Deacons, wives, and family members of the Deacons who passed away. The community came together in both the Eucharist and in community with a reception immediately after. This was the 5th year of our rememberance services and we were espcially blessed to have Msgr. Roy come to celebrate Mass for us! Today, I was especially moved to remember one of our deceased deacons who just happened to be my longtime mentor, Deacon Rusty Read.
In this month of November it is very appropriate to remember the dead and to pray for the souls in purgatory. It is also very appropriate to ask for prayers from our deceased loved ones as they can be powerful intercessors for us.
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