
Mass of Remembrance

Father Sullivan celebrating the Mass of Remembrance for our 17 Residents who left us for the Father’s House during the past year.
At Holy Family Home, where we cherish the memory of our deceased Residents, we resonate with the Church’s November tradition of celebrating the marvelous mystery of the “Communion of Saints.” As the end of the year draws near, we find comfort in the interconnectedness of the “Church Triumphant, the Church Suffering, and the Church Militant.” Residents, families, friends, Little Sisters and staff of all faiths appreciate our annual Mass of Remembrance. Usually, at this Mass offered for Residents who left us for the Father’s House during the past year, each name is read and a rose is brought up the aisle and placed in a vase before the altar by a family member. When there is no relative present, the rose is carried by a Little Sister or an employee who cared for that Resident. It used to be touching to see how staff of all different religions felt privileged to assist the Little Sisters in honoring the memory of “their” Residents in this way. This year, due to COVID restrictions, the Mass was live-streamed. Families and friends participated virtually as the names of their loved ones were read and a rose was placed before the altar for each one. Christian communion among fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, and in Him we remain united with those who have gone before us and with each other.

Roses being placed before the altar as the names of our deceased Residents are read.