Mass
- St. A's was packed, including the choir loft
- Processional: "Let There be Peace"
- First reading: Proverbs 31 (reproduced below)
- Responsorial: Psalm 23
- Second reading: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
- Gospel: John 5: 12-17
- Offertory hymn: Ave Maria
- Communion hymn: Be Not Afraid
- Communion meditation: Panis Angelicus
- Remembrances of Rachel by her sister Fran, Anne Hinkamp (college roommate), Laura Boylan, Evan Finamore, and me
- Song of farewell: Receive Her Soul
- Prayer of commendation: Irish Farewell Song
- Recessional hymn: Amazing Grace
I won't try to describe it any further, except that it was beautiful.
The reception in the gym and Lindley Park was very nice -- thanks to everyone who worked so hard to pull this together on short notice. I was really pleased to see some friends we'd lost touch with years ago, who heard about Rachel's passing and came to share their respects.
We had a bunch of friends and family over at the house all afternoon: a nice, comforting hubbub. About 5pm the exhaustion really hit me; I toughed it out until I could tuck the kids in, and then crashed.
The reading from Proverbs 31 seemed so fitting for Rachel that we put it on the Mass booklet:
"When one finds a worthy woman, her worth is more than precious gems. She reaches out her hands to the poor and extends her arms to the needy. She is a woman of strength and dignity and does not fear the days to come. When she speaks, her words are wise and kindness is the rule for everything she says. She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household and is not idle. Charm can be deceptive and beauty fleeting, but the woman who recognizes the will of God and tries to do God's bidding shall be greatly praised.
Praise her for the many things she has done. These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from the community, but more importantly, will make her welcome in the kingdom of God."
Pat
5 comments:
Dear Pat,
Thank you for your generosity of spirit in allowing us to accompany you and Rachel in this journey. May the wisdom, faith, and love that shine through your words and the Scriptures that illumine your path enkindle each of our hearts. May we, as you so movingly suggest, carry the meaning of this time into our own daily lives, cherishing the moments given to make some small difference in this precious world.
I only knew Rachel briefly, but in that time she shared her interest in meditation, in healing to become truly whole, in learning more of the spirit that is at the heart of life. Her vibrant capacity and enthusiasm filled our conversations. How significant that seems now ....
May you know that many who have come to know you through this time are changed by your spirit and that of your dear family. May you all be blessed and guided through the private sorrows of this loss and through the coming together of lives intertwined.
With my condolences,
Juliet Gentzkow
Pat, the service was moving, sad, beautiful, profound. Your words were and suggestion of saying "I Love You" every night really struck a chord in all of us. Tears poured from our souls, and we marveled over your strength, trying to envision how on earth if faced with the same circumstances, we could keep our head held high for our children. It seems an impossible feat, and yet there you were, walking the walk right before our eyes. We know your heart is broken, as are ours on a much less intense level of course. But your blog has inspired us, and brought us that much closer to your family, and given us a special kind of insight and wisdom into your struggle, your challenges and triumphs, and ultimately, a window into the love - the very unique and special love that you and Rachel shared. Thank you for opening your hearts to us. And please, if it's not a burden, keep up the blogging. You have brought this community together in ways you probably can't begin to imagine. With love,
Patrick:
Glad you will be continuing blogging for a bit - see my comment in "Final Preparations".
Hope today is a good day.
Regards Elaine Kraatz
The funeral was so beautiful, Pat. An amazing tribute to an amazing woman. I couldn't help but wonder what Rachel was thinking, watching from heaven. Did she know how many people she touched so deeply?
Love and prayers,
Stacie Crozier
Dear Pat, Fiona, Conor and Emmet-
We have been out of town for the past week, and are just learning of your tragic loss. Having experienced first-hand the loss of loved ones, we empathize with the sorrow in your hearts.
By all accounts, Rachel was an incredible person. While waiting for a delayed flight tonight, we read your blogs in full, often with tearful eyes. Your detailed writings, along with the multiple heartfelt comments from the community and your loved ones, make it clear just how special she was, and what a loss her passing will be for your family, and for all who were lucky enough to cross her path. We only wish we had had more time to get to know her.
Please know that like so many others, we are here for you and you can call upon us for anything. Rachel will live on in our hearts and prayers.
Warmly,
The Mancini family
Tony, Nicki, Mallory, Christopher and Mackenzie
Post a Comment