Obituaries

In spite of the awful pandemic we are facing and all of the restrictions surrounding it, our loved ones and parishioners are still unwell; some are dying or will die. Whether or not these illnesses and deaths are related to the virus or not doesn’t matter. We priests of the parish see it as one of our most important duties to visit and pray with the sick and particularly for those near death and after death. Current restrictions and the concern about the priest either spreading the virus to others or catching it himself means that visiting our parishioners is not possible at this time. For this reason, we want to share with you the selection of prayers following this message that family members can pray with a loved one who is dying and after the person has died. These prayers can be prayed by anyone so, in the absence of a priest, you can say them with and for your loved one. These words are intended to give some consolation and peace to all present.
 
At his “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing on March 27 Pope Francis extended what’s called a “plenary indulgence” to all members of the Church. This gift of God’s mercy mediated through the Church is given particularly to the faithful who will die during this time when a priest cannot visit to offer Last Rites. The indulgence means that God understands the situation, knows your loved one’s heart, and will not leave them hanging. God’s grace cannot be limited, certainty not by this pandemic.
 
If a loved one is dying or has died, please let the parish know. Trust in God’s abundant mercy and His love for you.                                                               --Fr. Brendan Dawson