On March 9, 2023 I attended the funeral my Grandmother Mary Heick at St. Margaret’s Church [200 Roxboro Road, Syracuse, New York 13211]. I felt it relevant to record it in hopes of transcribing it later on. After almost 3 years, and implementing openai/whisper on my home server this transcription was finally possible.
The mass was led by the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia.
[“Amazing Grace”]
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, that the grace and peace of God our Father, who raised Jesus from the dead, be always with you. As our sister Mary has died with the Lord, so may she live with him in glory.
Let us pray.
O God, Almighty Father, our faith professes that your Son died and rose again. Mercifully grant that through this mystery, your servant Mary, who has fallen asleep in Christ, may rejoice to rise again through him, who lives and reigns with you in unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
I invite you now to be seated as we listen together to God’s word, and our first reading today will be proclaimed by Elise.
A reading from the Book of Wisdom.
The souls of the dressed are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead, and their passing away was thought an affliction, and their going forth from us utter destruction. But they are in peace, for if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope
full of immortality. Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them, and found
them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble. They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect. The word of the Lord.
The responsorial song can be found in the Blue Hymnal on page 39. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. That’s on page 39 in the Blue Hymnal.
[“To you, O Lord, I lift my soul”]
At this time I invite Callie to come forward to proclaim our second reading.
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans.
Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved from sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has power over him. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. I love the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. Whoever believes in me, even if they die, shall have a life. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
My sisters and my brothers, the Lord be with you. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him, and began to teach them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted, for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you, and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Please be seated.
First of all, this morning, I’d like to welcome Mary’s family and friends to this house of worship, to St. Margaret’s Parish. And I know some of you are saying, he the bishop’s here. Well, when I became bishop, they always told me never to quit my day job. So I’m here to join you this morning in prayer. And as we gather here in prayer for Mary, I want especially her sister Lillian, but also her children, Tom and Bill, James, Jerry and John, along with her daughter-in-laws and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all her family and friends, to know that we not only hold you in prayer today, but those prayers will continue in the days and the weeks ahead. That’s why at the end of our mass today, we will place Mary’s book in a book of remembrance, because her name will continue to live on in all of our prayers, and certainly we will accompany you in our prayers.
When we all entered this house of God that’s worship space this morning, it’s interesting that we came face to face with a rather large cross. And in fact, words that can be spoken in the presence of the cross sound like this. In baptism, Mary received the sign of the cross. May she now share in Christ’s victory over sin and death. This cross, sisters and brothers, is our reference point for the journey that Mary has been walking, and now hopefully she has reached her final destination.
But for you and me, and for Mary, that cross is our compass. For this familiar and often taken for granted sign of our faith leads you and me on a journey through the valley of the shadow of death to the dawn of Easter. That moment that we are now preparing to celebrate once again, to call to mind once again as we are in the Lenten season. So what we celebrate at the very end of this season is again, Easter and all that it means for you and me.
And the promise of the resurrection of Jesus Christ pulls out for each one of us. When God decided to send his beloved son into our world, not to condemn the world or destroy it, but to save it, Jesus became one like us in all things but sin, which was not part of God’s original design for you and me. But from the moment of his conception in the womb of his mother Mary, and every moment thereafter of his earthly life, Jesus was able to say what each one of us can and should honestly say, Someday, sooner or later, I’m going to die. And die Jesus did in the most cruel and agonizing death at that, death on a cross.
Nevertheless, the cross of Christ is not just a grim and gruesome reminder of his death. The cross of Christ is also the shining symbol of his resurrection, a victory over sin and death that he has shared with each one of us on the day of our baptism when God immersed each one of us into his eternal life. We heard of the significance of that sharing in Christ’s life in our second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, because Jesus turned the cross of suffering and death into the tree of life by rising from the dead. His outstretched arms bridge the divide between God and the human family that sin creates, and his cross is the key that opens the gateway to our heavenly home.
Mary and all of us who follow Jesus, not just on his way of the cross to his crucifixion and death on Good Friday, but also to and through his empty tomb of Easter Sunday. The cross of Jesus is therefore as much a sign and promise of our eternal life as it is a reminder of our mortal terminal life in the words of St. Paul, for if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God through Jesus bring with him those who have fallen asleep. This morning, the cross we see before us is only a temporary sign of defeat, for it is really a compass that points to the permanent sign of victory.
Today, you and I gather around this table of the Lord to proclaim that even though Mary lost the battle against death and dying, she has now won the war and claims the victory of eternal life. Naturally, our hearts are heavy with grief at Mary’s going forth from among us, and our eyes are dimmed because of the sorrow that is ours. But in the midst of it all, we hear the word of God, that our hope is full of immortality.
Let me end our reflection on God’s word this morning with a poem that’s entitled, Death is Only a Horizon.
We give them back to you, O Lord, who first gave them to us. And as you did not lose them in the giving, so we do not lose them in return. No, as the world gives, do you give. Not as the world gives, do you give, O lover of souls. For what is yours is ours also, if we belong to you. Life is unending because love is undying. And the boundaries of this life are but a horizon, and a horizon is but a limit of our vision. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further. Strengthen our faith that we may see beyond the horizon. And while you prepare a place for us, as you have promised, prepare us also for that happy place, that where you are, we may be also with those we love forever and ever. Amen.
In our gospel, we hear the words of Jesus himself, Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Jesus just wasn’t speaking those words into the air, so to speak. Jesus was speaking those words so that even in the face of death, those who have to face death might then know that God does not forget them. God does not forget those who have gone before us. God does not forget those who are left behind. So let us remember today the cross, our compass, but even more, our victory. Amen.
I’m going to invite us now to stand in prayer, and I’m going to invite Jenna to lead us in prayer.
Let us in faith call upon God the Almighty Father, who raised Christ the Son from the dead, and we pray for the salvation of the living and the dead.
The response to our petition is Lord, hear our prayer. For Mary, who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that she may now be admitted to the company of the saints, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our sister, who ate the body of Christ, the bread of life, that she may be raised up on the last day, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our deceased relatives and friends, and for all who have helped us that they may have the reward of their goodness, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the family and friends of our sister Mary, that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
Many people die by violence, war, and famine each day. Show your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against your love, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
And may the prayer of those who cry to you benefit the souls of your servants of the Lord. Free them, we pray, from all their sins, and make them sharers in your redemption through Christ our Lord. Amen.
I invite you now to be seated as we prepare the table, Lord. At this time, I’m going to invite Eli, Azra, Lindsay, Grace, and JJ to bring forward our gifts.
As the altars prepare and the gifts are presented, please join in singing On Eagle’s Wings. It can be found in the criminal out page number 691. It’s number 691 in the blue hymnal.
[“On Eagle’s Wings”]
Sisters and brothers, pray with me now that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father.
And we humbly present to you the sacrificial offerings, O Lord, for the salvation of your servant Mary. We beseech your mercy that she who did not doubt her son to be a loving Savior may find in him a merciful judge who lives and reigns forever and ever.
The Lord be with you. And lift up your hearts. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord Holy Father, Almighty eternal God, who Christ our Lord. For he is the salvation of the world, the life of the human race, the resurrection of the dead. I am the host of angels, adores your majesty, and rejoices in your presence forever. May our voices, we pray, join with theirs among chorus of exalted praise as we exclaim.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Please kneel or be seated.
You are deep holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness. Make holy, therefore, these gifts we pray, by setting down your spirit upon them like the dewfall, so that they may become for us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his passion, he took bread and, giving thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body which will be given up for you. In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice, and once more, giving thanks, he gave it to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.
The mystery of faith. We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection until you come again.
And therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of his death and resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the bread of life and the chalice of salvation, giving thanks that you found us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you. Only we pray that, partaking of the body and blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit. Remember, Lord, your church spread throughout the world, and bring her to the fullness of charity, together with Francis, our Pope, and me, your unworthy servant, and all the clergy. Remember your servant Mary, whom you have called from this world to yourself, bread that she who was united with your son in a death like his may also be one with him in his resurrection. And remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection and all who have died in your mercy. Welcome them into the light of your face. Have mercy on us all, we pray, that with the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, the blessed Joseph, her spouse, with the blessed Apostles, and all the saints, God, please do us well, the angels, who may merit to be coheirs to eternal life.
May grace and glorify you for your son Jesus Christ.
Thorough him and with him and in him, O God Almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, forever and ever. Amen.
Together let us now stand, for with the Lord there is mercy and the fullness of redemption, and we have the courage to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Deliver us, the Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days. And by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin, and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed book, and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles, Peace I leave you, and peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your turn, graciously grant her peace and unity, in accordance to your will, will live and reign forever and ever. The peace of the Lord be with you always. Let us offer it to one another.
Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter into my roof. I will only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
The communion song can be found in the hymnal on page number 889. Hail Mary, gentle woman, with number 889 in the hymnal.
[“Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”]
Let us pray. Lord God, whose Son left us in the sacrament of his body and blood, food for the journey, mercifully grant that, strengthened by it, our sister Mary may come to the eternal table of Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Please be seated for some words of remembrance, and at this time I invite Jim and Tom to offer their reflections.
[Tom]
I just can’t tell you anything about my mother that you don’t already know. She was tough, loving, persistent, resilient. She had an extended network of friends and relatives. She loved my brothers and myself unconditionally, no matter what the situation we managed to create. And like all mothers, she could always remind us, wait till your father gets home.
Sunday dinners, birthdays, Fourth of July, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Easter, every day we will all remember her and cherish our memories of her. God bless you, mom.
[Jim]
Good morning, all, and thank you all for coming. For those here who don’t know me, my name is James. I’m my mothers third, middle son. I see a lot of faces full of love here, and all deeply touched by your spirit. My mom. My mom was a very patient, compassionate woman. She cared deeply for every living thing, her family, her friends, and her mother. It was so important to her that everyone around her was happy. And they’re true. And she’d go out of her way to bring a smile to everyone’s face. My mom was born in Cleveland, Ohio, September 8, 1930. She grew up on Culvert Street on the north side of Syracuse. She graduated from North High School. And she married my father June 25, 1949, when she was just 18 years old. By the time she was 26, she’d given birth to five boys. Two of those of five were still in diapers. God bless them. My mom loved to make me comfortable. I would always make breakfast with bacon or sausage and eggs and toast on mornings when I’d visit for my mom. Brother Jerry, he’d always ask, Hey Jim, “What did mom make you for breakfast today?” He was jealous. Holidays were no exception to the spread she’d create for him and the Christmas cookies. There was always plenty to eat. Easter ham with scalloped potatoes or Thanksgiving Day turkey. With mashed potatoes and lots, lots of turkey gravy. Once mom retired from New York, she would take up a couple different hobbies here and there just to be busy like we’re sharing. I’m pretty sure all of those boys, And most of her grandchildren, too, all have an afghan made by her. And the quilts. I would watch sometimes and I’d still see her with a needle and thread sitting by her quilting table doing stitch work. One of her beautiful bedspreads. Creation resides in my bedroom. But her most favorite was not doing of these things. It was a time she was fed with her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Being involved, sharing stories and the hugs. This is what she loved and cherished. Mom did save my life. I’m more than one occasion. For one time, I remember I was pretty young, probably about my granddaughter’s age, about four. She was cleaning the blinds on the porch. And one of the bottom rows of one of the flat piece of wood was the center. It was a full roof of the blind. It had fallen out, so I picked it up. I was playing with it. I said, this is going to make a good propeller. I wanted to be a little pilot. So I found myself a nail. And I stuck it in that hole and I started twirling it. And then I said, oh, this is pretty good. Let’s try this out. So I got the nail. Spun it some more. Went over, picked up a hammer. I don’t know where I got that from. Went over to my mother and said, will you hit this for me? She said, no. I said, why? She said, you’ll die. So I lived another day. She taught me the value of each, a small kind deed, a handhold, a hug, a smile, a warm greeting. She said, remember, you get what you give. She gave her whole being in raising my brothers and loving my father and warning the hearts of family and friends. There was a lot of love in my mom’s life because she gave so much love to everyone else. She was an incredible mother who inspired all of us, even in the smallest ways. Even though she is gone, her legacy lives on in all of us. As we grieve the loss of this incredible woman, remember, this grief is the price of love. Mom, thank you for everything you’ve given us during your precious time on earth. Your spirit and genuine love will live out in all of our hearts. Your love and we will miss you very much. Rest in peace.
And before this is done, I’m going to invite Tom to even sign the polka.
I invite us now to stand for the final commendation.
Before we go our separate ways, let us take leave of our sister. May our farewell express our affection for her. May it ease our sadness and strengthen our hope. One day we shall joyfully greet her again. And the love of Christ, who conquers all things, destroys even death itself. And so we let this incense rise to God, a symbol of our own prayer, accompanying our sister to her place of rest.
May the wise men and women of the world come to greet you.
May they send you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you in his mercy.
May you find eternal life.
There is one thing I ask of the Lord, that he grant me my heartfelt desire,
to dwell in the house of our Lord every day of my life in his presence.
May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
May they speed you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you in his mercy.
May you find eternal life.
Into your hands, Father of mercies, we commend our sister Mary, and assure in certain hope that together with all who have died in Christ, she will rise with him on the last day. We give you thanks for the blessings which you bestowed upon Mary in this life. They are signs to us of your goodness and of our fellowship with the saints in Christ. Merciful Lord, turn toward us and listen to our prayer. Open the gates of paradise to your servant, and help us remain to comfort one another with assurances of faith until we all meet in Christ and are with you and with our sister forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In peace, let us take our sister to her place of rest.