Bereavement Ritual Lighting a candle is a way of extending one's prayer and being in unity with the person on whose behalf the prayer is offered. In the lighting of candles we remember and truly live the words of Our Lord: "I am the Light of the World."

The Lighting of the Candles is one of the rituals we use at the start of the Bereavement Support Group meeting We now invite you to join us by lighting a candle and praying together for a loved one As you come forward to light these remembrance candles, may our separate lights become one flame, that together we may be nourished and warmed by their glow

Remembrance Mass Traditionally, a Remembrance Mass is celebrated during November, the month of the Holy Souls. We especially remember and pray for those gone before us, our loved ones who have entered into a new life with God. Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also making their intercession for us effective.

Remembrance Mass brings parish community together in a “resurrection space”. (From Absence to Presence by David Wells, The Tablet) brings parish community together in a “resurrection space”. (From Absence to Presence by David Wells, The Tablet) offers an opportunity for public expressions of bereavement and solidarity offers an opportunity for public expressions of bereavement and solidarity helps to bring healing, comfort and closure to the bereaved helps to bring healing, comfort and closure to the bereaved

Remembrance Mass

Preparation for the Remembrance Mass Set a date and time with the parish priest Set a date and time with the parish priest Invite the recently bereaved by personal invitation Invite the recently bereaved by personal invitation Open invitation to parishioners by advertising in the parish bulletin/pulpit Open invitation to parishioners by advertising in the parish bulletin/pulpit Choose the rituals, readings, hymns and prayers in consultation with the celebrant Choose the rituals, readings, hymns and prayers in consultation with the celebrant

Choose readers, other participants and musicians Choose readers, other participants and musicians Organise candles, tapers, special cloths, Remembrance book, flowers, rosemary, cards, box Organise candles, tapers, special cloths, Remembrance book, flowers, rosemary, cards, box Invite greeters to assist with rituals Invite greeters to assist with rituals Provide a Power Point (optional) Provide a Power Point (optional) Invite bereaved to bring a plate to share Invite bereaved to bring a plate to share Prepare the room for morning tea Prepare the room for morning tea

Welcome to the John Paul Care Memorial Mass 14 November 2009

Companions on the Journey We are companions on the journey, breaking bread and sharing life; and in the love we bear is the hope we share for we believe in the love of our God, we believe in the love of our God. No longer strangers to each other, no longer strangers in God’s house; we are fed and we are nourished by the strength of those who care, by the strength of those who care.

We are companions on the journey, breaking bread and sharing life; and in the love we bear is the hope we share for we believe in the love of our God, we believe in the love of our God. We have been gifted with each other, and we are called by the word of the Lord; to act with justice, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with our God, to walk humbly with our God. With permission CCL Int Lic No 61983

Liturgy of the Word First Reading Wisdom 3: 1-9 Responsorial Psalm Response: The Lord is kind and merciful Second Reading Romans 6: 3-4, 8-9

Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, Alleluia! Come, you whom my Father has blessed, says the Lord; inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. Alleluia Gospel Matthew 5: 1-12

Prayers of the Faithful Response: Lord hear our prayer

In Memory of You Before his death, Jesus gathered his friends, longing to share his life with them, longing to make them one. And at the table of God’s love He took the bread, He said the blessing. He broke the bread saying “Take this and eat. This is my Body, given for you”

Chorus: It is as You have asked O God, That we do the same, in memory of You. As you have asked O God, in memory of You.

Before His death, Jesus surrendered Himself, giving up His life for all, giving hope to a broken world. And at the table of God’s love He took the wine, He said the blessing. He shared the cup saying “Take this and drink. This is my life blood, given for you”. With permission C CL Int Lic No 61983

Communion Reflection God of heaven and earth We pray for one another, for our families and friends, through whom we learn to love and to be loved. Thank you for all who care for us. Give us grace to care for others according to their need in love and understanding.

We thank you for the unfailing love you hold out to all people. Comfort and heal those in sorrow, need, sickness, or any other trouble. Give them courage and hope in their distress. Bless those who minister to them, especially the staff and volunteers of our Hospice services.

We pray for those who are bereaved: those who have just lost someone they love, and those who still ache after many long days. We pray for those who had unexpected loss; who find it hard to return to life and the future. May they experience the life to be found in you, a life stronger than death itself.

We remember with gratitude your many gifts to us in creation and the rich heritage of our land. Help us and people everywhere to share with justice and peace the resources of the earth. Give wisdom to those in authority among us and to leaders of the nations.

We pray for one another as we gather here in remembrance and tribute. Grant us grace and wisdom to serve you and our neighbour. Unite us in truth and love. Grant that what we have asked in faith we may by your grace receive: and to you be all the praise. Amen

Bring Us Home Chorus Bring us home to you O God. Bring us home to you that we might live. Bring us home.

Speak to the heart of your people O God. We wander and thirst through so many desert places. We long to see your face, to hear your voice, to find our way. Chorus

Speak to the heart of your people O God. Our thoughts and our ways are far removed from your own. You seem to understand this struggle for justice, for meaning. Chorus

Speak to the heart of your people O God. We’re lost and alone. Our hearts have strayed far from you. We hunger for you O God. Our hearts are restless and aching. Chorus With permission CCL Int Lic No 61983

Please join us for Morning Tea in the Parish Centre All Welcome