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“When a community is declining, does it always make sense to expend energy in order to prolong it just a few years more?"
© 2011, Bryan Froehle, Pastoral Trends
Funerals: Occasion-based Homilies
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We are not meant to suffer alone by Catherine CollinsIn his very last moments, as Jesus literally hangs between life and death, he creates community.More...Occasion: Funeral homily for a child
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The courage to teach—and to grieve by Mary MorrellHow does one live without the teacher who taught, not only with words, but through a life of love and affirmation? More...Occasion: Funeral homily for a teacher
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Into the arms of a larger family by Mary VineyardTo lose a beloved child is like watching the sun fall from the sky. But some day you will remember what you saw and heard here today, and these seeds of hope will grow into a vision, a deep knowing that will support you through the rest of your life. More...Occasion: Funeral homily for a childReadings: Lamentations 3:22-26; Revelation 7:9-10, 15-17; Mark 10:13-16
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Rejoice and be glad by Kevin AxeWhen a suffering Christian finally completes the voyage across the River Jordan to her heavenly reward, I'm just flat out glad. I think of where she is right now, right at this moment, and I smile. More...Occasion: Funeral homily for a death after a long illness or after a long life
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Safe in the loving arms of God by Joel SchornAs we carry on, let us grant some of that same compassion and mercy to N., and to ourselves. More...Occasion: Funeral homily after a suicide
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Healing this shocking loss by Daniel GrippoYes, there is shock, and pain, and sorrow, and anger. But we are also here to proclaim our hope. More...Occasion: Funeral homily after an accidental death
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Shepherd me, O God by Tom McGrathOur loving God sent us the Good Shepherd who promises to lead us safely home--beyond wants, beyond fears, all the way through death into life eternal. More...Occasion: Funeral homily for a death after a long lifeReadings: John 14:1-6
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Do not be afraid by Brian DoyleOur final act of love is to let go now, let go of our despair at this death, our anger at God, our horror at this disappearance, and be filled with joy that our loved one has come to the country where there is only love. More...Occasion: Funeral homily after the death of young person by violence
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We are going to have very big hearts by Kathleen ChestoThis child lived. This child touched our hearts and changed each of our lives. More...Occasion: Funeral homily for a babyReadings: Lamentations 3:22-26; Ephesians 1:3-5; Matthew 11:25-30
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I will give you rest by Alice CamilleGod's love is greater than all the forces that oppose love-- stronger even than death. More...Occasion: Funeral homily for a death after a long illnessReadings: Lamentations 3:17-26; Psalm 25; Romans 8:14-23; Matthew 11:25-30
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Nothing can separate us from the love of God by Peggy EkerdtLike life itself, a child is a gift from God. Sometimes we have to give this treasured gift back to God sooner than we ever imagined. More...Occasion: Funeral homily for a child
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A faithful public servant by James F. Colaianni Sr.Not: “What best serves my career, but what best serves the people who have placed their trust in me?” This statement of purpose for all public servants is in perfect harmony with Jesus’ own words: “I have come not to be served but to serve.” More...Occasion: Funeral homily for a public servantReadings: Psalm 23:1-6
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Dying, we are born to eternal life by Father Paul BoudreauThree quarters of Catholics don't go to church, but they almost always show up for their funerals. So many times we won't know the dead very well or their families or the congregations that assemble. For this reason we leave eulogies to others and focus our homilies on the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truths of our Catholic faith. More...Occasion: Funeral homily
