Opening Hymn: Amazing Grace
Opening Prayer :
All: Loving God, we gather now to honor our beloved Jack. We give thanks for his life and the many blessings that he brought to us. Even though not visible to us, we believe that Jack still walks among us. He inspires, encourages, comforts and challenges us to be the hands and feet of Christ on earth. Today, we gather to celebrate Jack’s life, break bread and raise a glass in his honor.
First Reading
St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Romans 8:16-17, 35, 38)
God’s Spirit joins with our spirit to declare that we are God’s children. And if we are children, we are heirs as well: heirs of God and coheirs with Christ. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Trouble? Calamity? Persecution? Hunger? Nakedness? Danger? Violence?
For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels, nor demons, neither the present nor the future, neither heights nor depths – nor anything else in all creation – will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus. The Word of God. R. Thanks be to God!
Music for reflection:
Second Reading:
A Reading from the Gospel: (John 14:1-3)
Don't let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God;
In God's house there are many dwelling places;
Otherwise, how could I have told you that I was going to prepare a place for you? I am indeed going to prepare a place for you
And then I will come back to take you, that where I am, there you may be as well.
Tribute to Jack Duffy
Each of us have our own special, cherished memories.
The love we received from Jack will never die.
Now, we share our gratitude for the miracle of his magnificent life lived in service to others.
(sharing by individuals)
:Loving God, we remember the blessings that Jack brought to us.
Closing Hymn: When the Saints Come Marching