13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,

Today we observe the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time as we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day. The Gospel Acclamation is: “Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” This verse brings insight to the theme which is found in the Scriptural texts for this Sunday which addresses the mystery of death.

The Book of Wisdom reminds us: “God did not make death…For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it.” In today’s Gospel passage the Lord Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus from the sleep of death. Indeed He is the God who brings life to those who have died.

After battling the forces of evil on Calvary the Lord Jesus showed His ultimate power in the victory of His holy Resurrection. Trampling down death by death, Christ promises eternal life to all those who trust in Him. This is the faith we profess and celebrate when we commend a departed member of the Church to the Lord. The three stations which we observe at a Christian funeral are: the vigil (wake); Holy Mass; and committal.
The committal takes place at the cemetery where the earthly remains of the departed are placed awaiting the “Day of the Lord” when the Lord will reunite immortal soul with the glorified body. Until that day we wait in joyful hope and see the parish cemetery as a holy place, a second church.

Departed parishioners of both Saint Cecilia and Sacred Heart of Jesus Churches are buried at Saint Cecilia Cemetery across from Parks Lake. Last year I had formed a Cemetery Beautification Committee to assist me in maintaining the beauty and sanctity of the cemetery. I would like to share with you some of our efforts recently undertaken:

1. The crucifix shrine which was erected in 1953 by the Lusardi Family and given to the parish has been renovated and will be rededicated this afternoon.
2. The planting of trees on both sides of the cemetery to give definition to the property, along with landscaping work done at the “new graves” section of the cemetery. A portion of this was paid for by an anonymous donor.
3. A new sign with cemetery regulations has been ordered and will be installed within a few weeks. When the regulations are posted the enforcement of the regulations will go into effect after Labor Day. (I will remind everyone of this again in the September issues of the parish bulletin.)
4. A low level chain fence will soon be installed on both sides of the roadway entering the cemetery to prevent vehicles from driving and parking on the grass.
5. The cemetery main gates will be closed and locked on Sunday afternoons to prevent parking in the cemetery during community events. The gates will also be closed prior to snow storms in the winter to prevent cars from coming unto the property prior to the road being plowed and at other times according to my discretion.

In the future, God willing, I would like to erect a permanent altar at the cemetery for the celebration of the Holy Mass, also a columbarium for the placement of cremains. Presently, I encourage all those who have loved ones buried at the cemetery to visit regularly and pray for the faithful departed. While you are there please assist me in keeping this sacred place orderly and holy.

Thank you for all the good things you do for our parish. Your prayers and generosity are such wonderful signs of your faith in Him who rose from the dead, Christ our Savior!

God bless you,
Father Zig