By: Mrs. Patricia Bixel, Cathedral Parishoner
Last night at the Mass of Remembrance, I once again experienced the profound sense of community that defines St. Francis Cathedral. Having been a parishioner for 35 years, I have witnessed firsthand the caring and support that this parish extends to its members during times of sorrow and loss.
This year, the service held special meaning for me as I remembered my dear sister, Mary Lynch, who passed away last October after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. The journey through her illness was a challenging and painful time for our entire family, as we watched her gradual decline. The Mass offered a space to honor her memory and to reflect on our shared grief.
Nearly 60 candles shone brightly on the altar rail, each representing a beloved member of our parish who had died in the past year. The Remembrance Mass, celebrated by Father Christy, together with the thoughtfully chosen music and the presence of the congregation, provided comfort and solace to all in attendance. After the service, a reception allowed us to connect with other parish members who had experienced similar losses, offering an opportunity to share our feelings and support one another.
St. Francis Cathedral parish is blessed with a dedicated bereavement ministry, who have been led by dedicated parishioners over the years such as Jessie Flynn, Cheryl Saggese, and Kara Kwiatkowski who all have supported me in my time of grief. Their guidance and compassion have brought me comfort, especially as I navigated the grief of losing my father, followed by other family members in subsequent years. They provided practical ways to manage my sorrow and helped me find hope amid heartache.
I feel truly fortunate to be part of a parish that offers the Lazarus Ministry, which reaches out to parishioners during their darkest hours. The Lazarus ministry guides and supports families through the funeral planning process. Their compassion, comfort, assistance, and love have been a beacon of support, reminding us that we are not alone in our grief.
If you or a loved one have had an experience of loss, need the support of the Church, or need assistance for planning a funeral, please call the Pastoral Center office at 732-548-0100, and request for Mrs. Kara Kwiatkowski.