Rev. Annie Cass Watson, Holy Family Catholic Church
Have you ever had a thankless job, a job that no one else wants? If you google world’s most difficult jobs, one of the most common themes is that they often involve some sort of cleaning. Cleaning jobs are hard work. Maybe the hardest.
I believe the church is in the cleaning business. Our job is to find people who believe they are spiritually dirty, dusty, grimy, unclean, unworthy, and unloved, and convince them that they are in fact spiritually clean, worthy, and loved. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.
God’s first cleaning crew consisted of the Hebrew prophets. Talk about a tough job! It’s amazing that anyone ever applied for the job of Hebrew prophet. People didn’t like being told how dirty or messy they are, so many of the prophets were persecuted, imprisoned, or even killed. Being God’s cleaning crew was a tough and thankless job, but someone had to do it.
John the Baptizer continued God’s cleaning business with his rite of baptism. John’s interpretation of baptism was that it is a “washing away of sins,” a cleansing of the soul. While many people responded well to John, others didn’t like his cleaning services, especially Herod Antipas, who had him killed.
Like the Hebrew prophets and John the Baptist, Jesus was also part of God’s cleaning crew. In fact, as Christians we believe Jesus is the CEO of God’s cleaning business. At the very least, he owns a chain of franchise cleaning businesses.
In the Gospel stories, people are always checking on Jesus’ credentials, from Herod the Great at his birth to Pontius Pilate on the day he died, and a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees in between. Not everyone believed he was such a crucial part of God’s cleaning business. Sometimes, those who did believe it, didn’t want his services. I guess some people enjoy the dirt, dust, and grime of an unclean soul.
One day, Jesus enters a synagogue and offers to do a little sweeping and mopping in their hearts. Teaching in the synagogue was normal for a visiting rabbi, but he was more than that, wasn’t he?
He absolutely wows and astounds them with his words. He’s quite the sparkling speaker. If he were a janitor, that synagogue would have passed a white glove inspection. However, after his lecture, someone “with an unclean spirit” lets Jesus know that his efforts at cleaning up the mess of humanity is not appreciated by everyone.
Most people see this man as “demon possessed” in a sensationalized Hollywood sort of way, but I suggest a more practical alternative interpretation of this story. I suggest this man has been declared rituallyunclean by the Jewish religious authorities in Capernaum.
The word “unclean” in the Bible refers to a state of religious impurity or defilement, which could be caused by a variety of factors such as skin diseases, discharges of bodily fluids, touching something dead, or eating unclean foods. If an unclean person entered a sanctuary, he was threatened with death because he would make everyone around him unclean as well.
The unclean man accuses Jesus of wanting to “destroy us,” meaning, in Mark’s version of this story, the entire congregation. Why? What is he afraid of? Is he afraid of Jesus drawing attention to their synagogue, a community that apparently allows people who are ritually unclean to participate in their worship? Are they afraid of being excommunicated?
The unclean man identifies Jesus as “the Holy One of God.” He tells the man to be silent because he knows that “outing” him might lead to further harassment from the authorities and spell more trouble for this faithful, loving, and inclusive community.
He even commands the man’s uncleanness—what Mark calls an “unclean spirit”—to come out of him, which is why we normally interpret this man as “demon possessed.” Possessed or not, this man likely believes he is a hopeless cause.
So when Jesus verbally and authoritatively removes the uncleanness, the man has a dramatic conversion experience, crying and convulsing with deep sobs. It is a powerful moment. He is now “clean,” something he never expected would happen to him.
The crucial thing to note about this story is that one of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry is declaring unclean people clean. In one story after another in the Gospels, Jesus helps the unclean become clean:
He declares lepers to be clean, eats with tax collectors, prostitutes, and all manner of “sinners,” heals a Canaanite woman’s daughter and a Roman Centurion’s slave, talks to a Samaritan woman at the well, reintroduces a cemetery-dwelling mentally ill man to civilization, heals a woman with a hemorrhage and a slave’s bloody ear, heals a boy who is foaming at the mouth, heals a crippled woman and a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, and heals the blind, deaf, and mute at every turn. In all of these stories, Jesus risks his own cleanness, but he is not concerned about that.
Jesus had a tough job. Guess who has that job now? We do. Our job description is straightforward: Find people, befriend people who believe they are dirty, dusty, grimy, unclean, unworthy, and unloved, whether they are “out there” or even “in here” (like the man with the unclean spirit in our story today), and declare to them convincingly that they are in fact clean, worthy, and loved.
Street artist Mister Copy working on a mural depicting St Brigid, which was commissioned to coincide with the return of the sacred relics of St Brigid to Co Kildare after nearly a millennium. The relics will go on display at Kildare Town Parish Church in what is the 1500th anniversary of her death. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
St Brigid’s Day is a public holiday. Hon the women. And hon the Brigids, Brigits, Bridgets, Bríds and Bridies.
Brigid is one of our three patron saints, along with the Patrick and Colmcille. Last year was the first bank holiday dedicated to her, and this year it falls on February 5th, because February 1st is a Thursday.
Lá Fhéile Bríde, or Imbolc, on February 1st has long heralded renewal and the traditional start of spring in Ireland.
From Louth and based in Kildare, St Brigid was headstrong and holy, accomplished and multitalented. She was born around AD 450, and had a long, productive and eventful life. This year marks the 1,500th anniversary of her death, so its only fitting we get a day off work.
She set up monasteries around Ireland, of which Kildare was one of the largest, with a hospital, scriptorium and farm. As Abbess of Kildare she managed monastery farms and thousands of nuns. She was an ordained bishop. She was a master brewer of ale. The early Christian saint is seen as an early feminist, and has long been inspirational.
From Thursday and into the long weekend all around the country, plenty of events are lined up to celebrate Brigid and Imbolc. Check locally to see what is on. Here are just some of the things you may find interesting.
Nationwide
Stand Strong by Women’s Aid: Supported by Allianz, this St Brigid’s Day people are invited to pause and stand strong in the yoga warrior pose in solidarity with women experiencing domestic abuse, to raise awareness and funds for women subjected to abuse across Ireland so that they may get the support they need. People can click the sign-up button to register and create their own personal or group funding page which they can then share. February 1st. standstrong.ie
Armagh
Imbolc, Celtic Mindfulness Retreat Day, Navan Fort Visitors Centre:Relaxed meditation focused on the connection with oneself and the place, through personal and emotional connections run by Judith Greene. Incorporates a balance between mindful wellbeing practices and taps into Celtic wisdom and mythology of the festival and a sense of place with Navan Fort, following the journey of the roots of Imbolc through Brigid. Karen Smyth will incorporate mind and body skills facilitation, weaving in cultural elements through a range of self care, meditative and mindfulness practices, alongside St Brigid’s cross-making. February 3rd. visitarmagh.com
A St Brigid's cross hanging from a tree at St Brigid's holy well in Co Kildare. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA
Carlow
Day Retreat – Imbolc, Spring Awakening Honouring Brigid Through Yoga and Nature: A retreat to gently guide people to connect mind, matter and breath using Brigid’s wisdom and powers of healing to guide awakening to the rhythm and patterns of spring. February 5th. lisnavagh.comlisnavagh.com/retreats
Cavan
Brigid’s Day Retreat – Tending your inner Flame: A day spent exploring Brigid’s symbolism and heritage in creative writing, Brigid cross-weaving and brooch-making, felting and more. Weather permitting, there will be a field trip to a local Brigid site, Old St Brigid’s Chapel Killinagh, its holy well and cursing/blessing stones, with morning and afternoon sessions. Market House Blacklion, February 3rd. cuilcaghlakelands.org
Clare
Herstory Light Show: In partnership with Clare County Council and Creative Ireland, a Herstory Light Show will tour the west coast revealing specially commissioned photographic art by Myriam Riand and Áine O’Brien; a new song by acclaimed local singer-songwriter Susan Quirke and producer Enda Gallery; and a spotlight on the award-winning Clare-based film-makers Dearbhla Glynn. February 3rd.herstory.ie
Cork
Events at Crawford Art Gallery: The gallery is offering a programme of special events over the bank holiday, featuring specially-themed tours through both English and Irish, music and family-friendly workshops. February 1st to 5th.crawfordartgallery.ie
Derry
IMBOLC International Music Festival: A first-class music and cultural experience, celebrating tradition in all its many forms including the rich diversity of folk acts from grassroots to cutting edge with an inclusive music community embracing variety. Featuring music, film, theatre, workshops, words and ideas, visual arts, dance and the Brigid 1500 Concert on February 1st including Megan Nic Ruairí and Inni-K in a celebration of the creative contribution of women to arts, culture and creativity. January 28th to February 4th.imbolcfestival.com
Donegal
Féile na mBan: A weekend dedicated to showcasing women from all walks of life, with some women-specific events but plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Line-up consists of boot camps, a craft market, performances, talks, art receptions and workshops among other things, with others to be announced. Bundoran, Co Donegal, February 2nd-6th. feilenamban.com
Dublin – Chester Beatty, Dublin Castle
Silk Worm Families: St Brigid’s Magic Cloak: A free workshop for children aged 6-11 and their parents or guardians inspired by the legend of St Brigid, who, it is said, acquired land by spreading her magic cloak over it. Participants will make their own magic capes, taking inspiration from mandalas and the Hindu painting of the universe. January 27th.chesterbeatty.ie
The Fumbally, Dublin 8
Throw Down your Cloak, A Celebration show of Goddess Brigid & Creativity:Breda Larkin, comedian, brings a stand-up show that is a thought-provoking exploration of her life through the triple lenses of sexuality, religion and facial hair. Hosted by burlesque chanteuse Miss Lavelle and featuring Dublin’s own Dee Mulrooney, and cabaret duo The Wild Geeze, this is a celebration of women in the arts and the goddess of creativity, Brigid. February 1st. eventbrite.ie
Dublin city
Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women: The third year of citywide celebrations for Imbolc and the Celtic goddess, aiming to shine a light on Brigit’s lasting legacy and the way in which contemporary women embody her spirit, with more than 60 thematic events across the city. A parade on February 5thwill start at Wolfe Tone Square with a mix of walkers, roller skaters and performers going through Henry Street and finishing at the GPO on O’Connell Street. February 1st to February 5th.dublin.ie/whats-on/brigit/
Dublin Library
Dublin Library events: DLR libraries across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown are running St Brigid’s cross-making workshops for families, children, adults and schools. Adult sessions incorporate more elaborate designs sure to challenge more seasoned crafters. In DLR Lexicon at the Studio Theatre on February 1st, local active retirement groups are invited to celebrate Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day with traditional Irish music, dance and crafts followed by a cup of tea and chat. January 25th to February 1st.libraries.dlrcoco.ie/
Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin
Ireland, Feminism, Art – A GATHERING: The Irish Museum of Modern Art is partnering with Feminist Art Making Histories to present this talk where national and international guests come together to discuss feminist art-making histories, with a special focus on the pioneering work and art historical legacy of the Women Artists Action Group (Waag), 1987-1991. Including keynote talks, discussions, special conversations and a gathering with Waag members. February 1st.imma.ie/
Inchicore, Dublin 8
St Brigid’s Day Fair – Richmond Barracks: Celebrating all things Brigid and Brigit, particularly the impact of women in business, products that empower women and girls and supporting enterprises with a strong focus on women. Features workshops, entertainment, food, art, clothing, crafts and design, with gifts available to buy. February 3rd to February 4th.richmondbarracks.ie/
National Botanic Gardens, Dublin
Guided Tour: Féile Bhríde – History, Mystery and Magic: Discover the many and varied tales associated with Brigid in Ireland, her links with the ancient festival of Imbolc, and spot signs of spring emerging in the gardens. February 1st.botanicgardens.ie/
Galway
Brigit’s Garden – Lá Fhéile Bríde: A daylong celebration of the goddess and saint, and the festival of Imbolc through a rich weaving of stories, reflection, ritual and creativity. Offered by Carol Barrett, nature educator, folklorist, crafter and forager; Jenny Beale, founder and director of Brigit’s Garden; and Caroline McFadden, fire-keeper, singer and artist.
Also hosting a free Brigit’s cross-making workshop for local people of all ages on February 4th.brigitsgarden.ie
The 14th Dalai Lama holding a St Brigid's cross that was presented to him by school children in Kildare in 2011. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons
Kerry
Recovery Haven Kerry Designer Fashion Showcase at the Gleneagle INEC Arena: The fashion highlight of the year in Kerry is taking place on St Brigid’s Day in 2024, and is particularly poignant for those involved, with the show set to incorporate the saint and mark the 1500th anniversary of her death. Mary Kennedy is MC and some of Ireland’s top designers will featureon February 1st.recoveryhavenkerry.com/
Kildare
Brigid 1500: A comprehensive programme aimed at celebrating and commemorating the life and legacy of the saint, with its main objective being to create a meaningful cultural and societal legacy that resonates with a diverse, contemporary audience. Featuring exhibitions, workshops for children, food symposia, a launch of the Book of Kildare, concerts, film screenings, and a Herstory Light Show with entertainment across Co Kildare. Featuring Una Healy, Denise Chaila, Imelda May, Darina Allen, Jess Murphy, Laura Whitmore and Riverdance. From January 27th.brigid1500.ie/
Kilkenny
St Brigid, Spring Awakening Music and Arts Festival: Diverse musicians, artists and performers gather to create a distinctive experience, embracing the spirit of inspiration, renewal and creativity as music and art blend in harmony with the awakening of the year ahead. Featuring performances from Conchúr White, Aoife Nessa Frances, Niamh Regan, Clara Tracey and Paul Noonan with literature and theatre announcements coming soon. February 2nd-February 4th.stbrigidsfestival.ie/
Aoife Nessa Frances will perform at the Spring Awakening Music and Arts Festival
Laois
Bríd Faoin Spéir, Market Square, Portarlington: Celebrating female empowerment, this is the first in a seriesof five free public arts events taking place countrywide to promote the arts and encourage more arts-based outdoor performances. Includes appearances from leading poets Ann Egan, Laura Murphy and Enda Wyley, writing workshops and eco-friendly creative workshops and craft-making demonstrations, alongside music from female-led musicians and culminating in a fire performance by Broken Theatre on February 1st. roscommoncoco.ie
Willow Basket Weaving, Leitrim School of Art Ballinamore: Sunday workshops in Ballinamore with award-winning Kate Burrows of Westcountry Willows leading you through the process of creating your very own willow basket that you can treasure for a lifetime, taking place over the bank holiday weekend. February 4th.leitrimartschool.ie
Limerick
Imbolc Goddess Circle with Bloom Holistics, Lough Gur Visitor Centre: Attendees are invited to sit in a sacred circle on a sacred landscape to honour the moment of Imbolc and Brigid and align their energy for the season ahead. Involves grounding meditation, fire rituals, Imbolc herbal tea ritual, energy healing and more on February 3rd.www.loughgur.com
Louth
Brigid of Faughart: A celebration of Brigid as goddess, Celtic Christian saint and wise woman of the 21st century, with storytelling, music, workshops, talks, walks, and tours dedicated to the saint in Co Louth. Dundalk and Faughart, from January 31st to February 5th.www.brigidoffaughart.ie
Mayo
National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park: A variety of events and activities. Drop in to make your own St Brigid’s cross and take a free guided tour with a focus on St Brigid customs and traditions. Visitors can also view a selection of St Brigid’s crosses from the Irish Folklife Collection that will be on temporary display to mark the feast day and holiday, and a willow sculpture of St Brigid that was crafted on the grounds of the museum last year. museum.ie
Meath
Women’s Circle, Flynnstone Rocks Retreat, Trim: A monthly gathering to share, express and reflect, focusing on a specific chakra. A creative expression through art, movement and sound on January 27th. eventbrite.ie
Offaly
The Hunt for Brigid, Charleville Castle, Tullamore: A multi-table D+D gaming event in Charleville Castle, celebrating St Brigid with a spring-themed one-shot. February 4th. eventbrite.ie
Roscommon
Brigid’s Awakening Festival, The National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park: A small St Brigid’s weekend celebration, with Cathy Jordan as headliner on February 4th, and one of the largest St Brigid’s crosses in Ireland being installed in Tarmonbarry, plus some heritage events in Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk. strokestownpark.ie
Cathy Jordan will be the headline act at Brigid's Awakening Festival. Photograph: Paul Clampin
Sligo
Hamilton Gallery: This gallery is hosting an exhibition of new works by artist Yoko Akino, who designed the new stamp for the Irish Postal Service commemorating St Brigid on her 1500th anniversary. The gallery has also invited five women artists to create responses to Lá Fhéile Bríde and Imbolc in reed and willow weaving.hamiltongallery.ie
Tipperary
Brigid Fest 2024: A celebration in Nenagh of the saint, with St Brigid’s cross making, screen printing, knitting and pilates organised throughout the day to celebrate Brigid, the Celtic goddess of crafts, learning and fertility on February 1st.nenagharts.com
Wexford
Johnstown Castle: A day with storyteller, forager and food folklorist Lorraine O’Dwyer of Galivanting Tours. O’Dwyer will take visitors on a stroll through the gardens to gather reeds and share tales of the goddess Brigid and her ancient stories. Also includes meditation and exploration of the crafting of a symbol dating back to Neolithic times on February 1st.johnstowncastle.ie
Kilranelagh Brigid Guided Walking Tour Special: A 2½-hour walking tourfeaturing St Brigid’s well, headstone and chair, where attendees can hear about the history and engaging legends associated with Kilranelagh Hill, and explore their forgotten past. Every Friday.tirnaglass.com
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Kathryn:Welcome to our Zoom liturgy at Mary Mother of Jesus, an inclusive Catholic Community where all are welcome.
We invite you to pray the liturgy for the Celebration of Life of Marty, a beloved child of God.
-All participants will be muted during the liturgy except for the presiders and readers. When invited to share your thoughts/reflections, please unmute, speak, and then mute again. Where it indicates “ALL”, please respond silently.
-If you wish to share in our Eucharistic prayer, please have bread and wine/juice nearby.
Whoever you are,
Wherever you are,
Just as you are,
You are welcome at this table. (Integral Christianity by Paul Smith)
Kathryn:The songs throughout our liturgy are some of Marty’s favorite songs. Our opening Song is: In The Garden performed by Rosemary Siemens
Gracious God, we give thanks for Marty andthe many ways that he revealed you to us. We remember his loving and through his love we felt your generous Spirit. We are grateful for the ways Marty nurtured, encouraged, and supported us and through him we felt your nurturing Spirit. We have come to know you, Generous Spirit, through your son and our brother, Marty,
Almitra spoke, saying, We would ask now of Death. And he said: You would know the secret of death. But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life? The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light. If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life. For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond; And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity. Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour. Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king? Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
Kathryn:(please share a story or gratitude for Marty. Family members will share first.)
Communal Statement of Faith
Beth:Please join in our Communal Statement of Faith
We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery beyond all definition and rational understanding, the heart of all that has ever existed, that exists now, or that ever will exist. We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word, bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion, bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's prophets, mystics, and saints. We believe that We are called to follow Jesus as a vehicle of divine love, a source of wisdom and truth, and an instrument of peace in the world. We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One, the life that is our innermost life, the breath moving in our being, the depth living in each of us. We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now, stretched out all around us for those with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it, and hands to make it happen.
Prayers for the Community
David:We now bring our prayer intentions to the Table, saying, “I bring to the Table…”
We pray for all who are suffering, lonely, and without faith or hope.
Our response is: Holy One, you love through us.
We pray for all those suffering as a result of the natural disasters taking place on our planet.
Response: Holy One, you love through us.
We pray for all those living in the conditions of war and fear.
Response: Holy One, you love through us.
We pray for the intentions in our MMOJ community prayer list. (Joan shares)
Response: Holy One, you love through us.
And, for what else should we pray?
Response: Holy One, you love through us.
David: We pray for these and all the unspoken intentions in our hearts. Amen.
Preparation of the Gifts
Kathryn:Blessed are You, Holy One, through Your divine providence we have this bread, to share, the Bread of Life.
All: Blessed are You, Holy One, forever.
Mary T: Blessed are You, O Loving One through Your divine providence we have this wine to share, our spiritual drink.
All: Blessed are, You, Holy One, forever.
Mary Al:Nurturing One, we are united in this sacrament by the love of Christ, whose presence we are as we proclaim the liberating power of your Spirit Sophia, in our humanity and divinity, calling us to build the unity of Love in a more compassionate and just world. All: Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer
Jerry Bires:Extravagant Lover, in you, with you and through your endless outpouring of grace, we are blessed with joy amidst the wrong and suffering of our world. In you, we live and move and dwell in love beyond our deepest desires.
Dotty Shugrue:Generous Giver, you give us wise companions on our journey who work for humanity’s healing and well-being and for the flourishing of all creation.
With thankful hearts, in the company of all holy women and men, your liberating Spirit rises up within us, works through us, and we sing:
All:Holy, Holy, Holy (adapted from Holy, Holy, Holy by Karen Drucker)
Dotty Shugrue: Conscious of the Oneness, we pray that we may serve others with generous hearts especially the least and the last, the oppressed and marginalized. The bread we break and the cup we share are symbols of the fullness of life that all are invited to share.
Lee:Please extend your hands in blessing and pray together.
As we bless this bread and wine, we are ever aware of Your Spirit in us and among us at this Eucharistic table. We remember our brother Jesus whose life and teachings reflected the depth of divine love beyond our hopes and dreams.
Anna D:On the night before he died, Jesus came to table with his family and the women and men he loved. Jesus took bread blessed and broke it, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body. When you do this remember me and all that I have taught you.”
(pause)
Stephen: After supper, Jesus poured a cup of wine and shared it with his friends, saying,
“This is the cup of the covenant of my love. When you do this remember me and all that I have taught you.”
Michael: Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died in all those who have passed away from violent hate crimes.
Christ is rising in all those working for the well-being of humanity, dismantling institutional sexism, racism and all that divides us.
Christ comes each day in our ministry, prayers and actions for a renewed world with justice and equity for all.
Beth:Embracing Presence, we remember all the companions who have gone before us: Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mary of Magdala, and all holy women and men who are rising up in loving service to heal our world. We pause now to remember our family and loved ones in the communion of saints.
(pause)
(all hold bread and wine)
David:For it is through living as Jesus lived, and loving as he loved, that we awaken to Your Spirit empowering us to work for the flourishing of life on for all people and for planet Earth. All: Great Amen (Sung) Linda Lee Miller
All: Holy One, who is within, around, and among us, we celebrate your many names. Your wisdom comes. Your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us. Each day you give us all that we need. You remind us of our limits, and we let go. You support us in our power, and we act with courage. For you are the dwelling place within us, the empowerment around us, and the celebration among us, now and forever. Amen.
The Prayer of Jesus as interpreted by Miriam Therese Winter
Bridget Mary:Sign of Peace: Please bow to each other with the words: Namaste 3 times
Communion
Kathryn:Please join in praying the Litany for the Breaking of the Bread
All: Holy One, You call us to speak truth to power; we will do so.
Holy One, You call us to live the Gospel of healing and justice; we will do so. Holy One, You call us to be Your presence in the world; we will do so.
Mary T:This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing. Blessed are we who are called to the Feast.
We are the Body and Blood of Christ for the world.
Receive the Bread of Life and the Cup of Blessing.
Communion Song: Everything is Holy Now by Peter Mayer
Mary T: Holy One, we go forth in our calling to serve and committed to our own spiritual transformation so that we might work together to transform our earth to one of peace, equality, and justice for all. Timeless One, Your eternal love wraps courage around us as we enter into your invitation to dance and to bring your Light into the world. We shall forever remember your loving servant and our brother, Marty, “who lived justly, loved tenderly, and walked humbly with You.” We have no fear, for we live with the assurance that you are always in us and we in you. We are forever grateful to have lived on this Earth with Marty and to live in your presence and your love. Amen.
Closing Community Blessing
Kathryn:And together with our arms extended to one another as we say this Native American Blessing:
May the sun
Bring you new energy by day.
May the moon
Softly restore you by night.
May the rain
Wash away your worries.
May the breeze
Blow new strength into your being.
May you walk
Gently through the world and know
Its beauty all the days of your life. – Apache Prayer
ALL: Thanks be to God. Let it be so! And so it is! Alleluia!
Closing Song:Gathering of Spirits by Carrie Newcomer sung by Dan Murphy
The family of Marty Cummins extends much gratitude to all who have offered love, prayers, and heartfelt wishes during this difficult time of loss. Marty loved our MMOJ community and he felt the love and prayers from all of you. A special thanks to Mary Theresa Streck for her beautiful homily video and assistance in preparing Marty’s Celebration of Life.
“All shall be well. All manner of things shall be well.”
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