Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community Celebrates Neemie's Memorial Service by Katy Zatsick, ARCWP

As Roman Catholic Women Priests, we are often asked, “Who will take care of my burial?  What will it look like?”  We meet the needs of the grieving family and friends in planning a ritual that brings comfort and peace.  As an example we would like to share the Commitment ritual for Pauline called Neemie by her friends. 

Lee Breyer, Mary Al  Gagon, Carol Ann Breyer pray at Memorial Service

 Neemie had died unexpectedly without family and friends except her employer Kevin and her fellow co-workers.  Kevin approached Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic community and asked if we would provide an appropriate memorial service for Neemie to be attended by her co-workers. 

Katy Zatsick ARCWP met with Kevin and his wife Judy to plan the service.  On Saturday May 25 members of Mary Mother of Jesus held a memorial service for Neemie after the scheduled Saturday liturgy.  Memories of Neemie’s generosity to all and her dedication to the success of her employer’s company were recalled with tears by her fellow employees. 

MMOJ community, Judy Connolly in blue

 

It was a blessed time for all who for the first time heard the stories of how Neemie made a difference in the lives of those in her circles.  We felt honored to be part of the planning and to experience the beautiful sharing in and prayers of Neemie’s memorial.

On Sunday, June 2 2013 members of Mary Mother of Jesus and co-workers gathered at the home of Lee and Carol Ann, married priest partners. We were at Mercy-on-the-Manatee nature preserve to spread the cremains of Neemie in the Manatee River.

Kevin Connolly on left with MMOJ Community

Kevin welcomed us on the deck overlooking the Manatee River.  Mango trees opened up a space to give us access to the flowing river.  It had threatened rain but the clouds broke and the winds blew the water gently at our feet.  We sang Holy Ground.  ”We are standing on Holy Ground because God is present. And where God is, is holy.”  We prayed a final blessing for Neemie. Kevin removed the ashes from the beautiful urn he had provided and we gathered at water’s edge. Kevin walked into the river and released Neemie’s cremains. Each of us took a fresh flower of remembrance and placed it into the river to accompany Neemie to the gulf and beyond.

Kevin Connolly places ashes in Manatee River that flows into Gulf of Mexico

 

 We closed our committal service with Carly Simon’s “Life is Eternal…Won’t you tell me please, that life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon.  Life is eternal, as we move into the light, and a horizon is nothing, save the limit of our sight, save the limit of our sight.”

 

We retired to a local restaurant for a meal shared in Neemie’s honor.  I was a hospice chaplain for seven years and presided at many memorials.  This time I experienced God’s compassion as Neemie had no one to remember her.  Neemie’s employer, her co-workers and members of Mary Mother of Jesus provided her a beautiful service.  Neemie joins the Communion of Saints from which she will greet us when we see her in our eternal home.
A special "Thank You" to Lee and Carol Ann for the beautiful Committal Service for Neemie they had prepared and that we used at their home

Katy Zatsick, ARCWP
Co-Pastor of Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community, Sarasota, Fl.
www.marymotherofjesus.org

Katy Zatsick, (left ) Bridget Mary Meehan at MMOJ Easter Celebration 2013