November 8.  Sunday 32A. SEE.    Father Daniel with the Parish Family team had started a group of bereaved parents. “This is for your support of one another, “he said. “The group will meet once a month but you are free to meet informally with one another at any time.” “Hope is the one concept I have to hold on to,” Mrs Peters shared with her friend as she sat weeping quietly. “How could a young boy like him, on the brink of life die in such a gruesome accident.  I know he hadn’t been a regular church goer since he was confirmed but I hope that his faith and my prayers even helped him to make his peace with God in those moments before he died.” 

JUDGE. Reflect, share, Scripture:  We would not have you ignorant, brethren concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 1 Thes. 4:13-14.  Pope Francis How can we even begin to understand the grief of parents who have lost a child? It is as if time stops altogether, a chasm opens to engulf both past and future. How many people – I can understand them – get angry with God. AL254.  It consoles us to know that those who die do not completely pass away and faith assures us that the risen Lord will never abandon us. AL256  Pope Leo: When we acknowledge our fragility our hearts become open to supporting one another and to invoking the One who can grant what no human power can ensure: the profound reconciliation of hearts and with it, true peace.  From Elderly message 2026.  

ACT AND PRAY. COMMUNAL PRAYER FOR THE DEAD. 

God, Our Father, we remember in prayer those who have had a special place  in our hearts and in our lives and are now no longer here with us.  We thank you Lord, for the gift of life we have shared together.  We ask forgiveness for the hurts we caused and forgive our loved ones too. Comfort us through the memories they leave us. May those memories give us courage for our journey into the future. Grant them a place of peace and joy in your kingdom where there is no more suffering and grief.  And when each of us is called to depart from this life May we be reunited with them in eternal happiness.    Amen