There has been a little addition to the concourse this week in the form of a tree. This is a ‘November Remembrance’ Tree, where students, staff and parents can take the time to remember loved ones who have passed on. This month is dedicated to remembering those we have loved who have died. Beginning on the Feast of All Saints, followed by the feast of All Souls, and for each day during the month of November we give thanks for their presence in our lives and thank God for them.
Throughout this month you are each encouraged to take time to write down the names of any loved ones you have lost on the ‘blank’ tags on the tree. All names on the tree will be remembered in the morning prayers and Masses for the month and also in a special way at our Mass for deceased past pupils on Sunday November 18th, when the tree will be moved to Boys Chapel where names can also be added.
Most people find thinking about death difficult. Having a special time to remember those who have died gives us an opportunity to think and speak about the people we have lost. Throughout the month of November we can make a special effort to attend Mass or a Remembrance Prayer Service, to visit the cemetery and to pray for their souls. Through his resurrection Jesus overcame the power of death. As Christians, while we find it difficult when someone dies, we are people of hope and look forward to the time when we too will see the face of God together with those we have loved and lost.
Jesus said: Do not let your hearts be troubled you trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house there are many places to live in; otherwise I would have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you to myself, so that you may be with me where I am.
(John 14:1-3)
A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says ‘she is gone’. Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large now as when I last saw her. Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says she is gone there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon and other voices take up a glad shout ‘Here she comes!’ That is what dying is. An horizon and just the limit of our sight. Lift us up, Oh Lord, that we may see further. (Bishop Charles Henry Brent).
Remembering You
At the rising of the sun and its going down, we remember you.
At the blowing of the wind and the chill of Winter, we remember you.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of Spring, we remember you.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, we remember you.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of Autumn, we remember you.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember you.
As long as we live, you too will live for you are now a part of us,
As we remember you, for now and forever,
Amen.
(Rabbi Jack Riemer and Sylvan Kamens)
Ms Anne Marie Dolan, Pastoral Co-Ordinator
