Dear Parishioners:
A bit of disturbing news. Last week I was working with a family on a funeral. They informed that the funeral home had offered to take care of paying for the use of the church. They were going to charge the family $500.00 for all that work. Fortunately the family did not accept the offer of help.
I want to state that we do not, I repeat DO NOT charge for the use of the church for funerals. I don't think the funeral homes are being dishonest, but they can be aggressive. It is easy to be taken in at times like this. Some people offer a stipend to the priest and servers, but there is no charge for these services. It is not necessary to give the priest anything nor the servers.
While not always possible, I like to meet with families before they meet with the funeral homes. We talk about many of these things and you will be a little better prepared.
If a family member is approaching death, please feel free to come and talk with us before the day of death. We can discuss the many options, and even though you cannot be completely prepared or ready, you will find that talking about the matters before hand will help you in the emotional and sometimes difficult days ahead of you when someone you love dies.
There are options regarding the rosary and or wake service. We can discuss matters such as cremation, cemeteries, ceremonies, etc. It is easy to get caught up in the emotion of the moment. Coming in early can greatly reduce the stress of the moment.
Fran Brown helps with funeral arrangements and liturgical celebrations. She will call you and help with many of the decisions. Our Good Samaritans help with house sitting, food, etc. We do try to make these days a bit easier and more comforting for you.
If you feel inclined, you may call the rectory and become part of this ministry to people in grief. You may also call Fran Brown at 774-0238, or Dorothy Flaherty at 723-8421.
On a very different note, our new Parochial Vicar, Fr. Ken Heberlein will arrive this week. He comes to us from several years in hospital ministry. I think you will find him enjoyable.
I hope you will make him feel at home as you have done for the priests and seminarians who have lived here.
Many thanks to all who signed the petition last Sunday. We collected over a thousand signatures to call for a special session of the legislature to consider a Parental Notification law.
Petitions are available today outside church, or you can come by the rectory and sign the petition, or send a letter directly to Governor Bush. This is the least we can do to protect our young women. Thank you for your love of our youth. Our support for them is a great aid in their growing in Wisdom, Age, and Grace before God and one another.
Every child is His. God will never forget our effort to save the life of one of His children.
Fr. Bill
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