A Franciscan Parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit

Browsing FROM THE DESK OF FR. JEFF

October 27-28, 2018

I don t know how we got here so quickly, but this week we enter the month of November! We begin remembering All Saints and All Souls: all the holy ones who have gone before us, especially those whom we have known and loved. This is the month that we traditionally remember our beloved dead, our faithful departed. Next weekend we will remember all those whose funerals we have celebrated here at the Church of the Transfiguration during this past year. After Mass, everyone who has lost a loved one during the past year will also be able to light a candle in their memory in the gathering space. All month long a book will be available for us to write the names of all of our loved ones. It is good and comforting to remember these words from the Book of Wisdom, often read at funerals: 

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall them. They seemed in the view of the foolish, to be dead, and their passing away was thought an affliction, and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are at peace. 

For if before men indeed they be punished , yet is their hope full of

immortality. Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, be-

cause God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold

in the furnace he proved them and as sacrificial offerings he took

them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine,

and shall dart about as sparks through stubble. They shall judge

nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King

forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the

faithful shall abide with him in love. Because grace and mercy are

with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect. 

This is a good time to give thought to our own mortality; not easy, but necessary and helpful for our loved ones. Do you have a will? Have you named a Power of Attorney to make decisions if you are unable to make them for yourself? Have you let them know your healthcare wishes? Have you discussed plans for your funeral? On the weekend of November 17/18, representatives of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese will be available after each Mass to offer a brief presentation. We plan in the hope of resurrection and immortality! Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit! May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest In peace. 

Fr. Jeff

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