Arise: Finding Hope Amid Life and Death

As we begin the Month of Remembrance and prepare for a homily series we have titled “Arise”, I find myself reflecting on my ministry to people in the midst of dying and death. When I was a very young priest, I remember talking to friends from high school about the amount of my time committed to being with people dying and their families. Also, being with people who had experienced a recent death of a family member or friend. They told me my life must be incredibly depressing. My experience was something totally different. I said to them, “True, some days are filled with great sadness, but not depressing.” I know it may sound strange, but some of the hardest experiences I have had are ones I also find myself going back to and seeing in them times of real giftedness. 

I have been with families who experienced the death of a child or children who died before they were born, and children whose parents went to great lengths to make sure they had the best medical care available before they died. I have been involved when members of our military died in far-off places like Iraq and Afghanistan. I was also involved when a soldier, who experienced things that were just too great a burden to carry, took his life. I have been called to scenes of accidents and presided at funerals of kids who just recently received a driver’s license. And of course, I have been with a number of people, so great I can’t even imagine, as they were taking their last breaths after fighting any number of different illnesses and diseases.

I would not ask God to be relieved of my ministry in any single one of these situations. There were definitely times I wished people would not have died – the kids in car accidents, the soldiers in battle, the wife and mother who drowned, and the young people who overdosed, to name a few. I wish some of the people who suffered horrifically could have died with less pain. But death is a part of life. We can fear death, try to prevent death, or ignore death, but we will not only one day face our own death, but also experience the death of people around us. It is inevitable. It is one thing that unites us. 

Father Dan and I feel strongly about the importance of this homily series. We would like to share with you some of our Church’s teachings about death, how those who have died should be remembered, the importance of our Church’s rituals that accompany us amid death, and the message of hope that abounds even in the face of death. We know death can be a tough topic to speak about. It can bring back memories, rekindle grief, and raise even more questions. That is why we also want to make sure you know that we are available to meet with you and speak personally with you. We often hear the comment, “We know you are busy.” We try not to give that impression. We want you to know that speaking with you about illness, suffering, dying, death, and grief is among the most important aspects of our ministry. Let us know if we can accompany you in any way. 

Finally, don’t forget to continue (or start if you haven’t) reading the book we are handing out at church, 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory. The book aligns well with our homily series. As we are reminded in the book, Eucharistic Adoration can help us solve problems in our lives. It can also help us deal with death, grief, and prepare us for a peaceful death ourselves.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FROM THE ARISE HOMILY SERIES CAN BE FOUND HERE:

1- During this month of remembrance, Fr. John and Fr. Dan are making themselves available on Monday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for discussions regarding planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one. Conversations will include a review of our funeral planning guide and an opportunity to ask questions about funerals, burials, and other topics of need. Schedule a 30-minute meeting with either priest by emailing them at FR. JOHN or FR. DAN.

2- Saint Patrick Parish has assisted nearly 2,000 families over the last 150+ years in finding a place for a proper Christian burial at our cemetery, located at 1201 O'Keefe Road. If you are interested in discussing options for a place of burial at our cemetery, please contact our cemetery administrator Ellen O'Brien at 715-381-5120 (ext. 301) or via EMAIL.

3- On November 2nd, 2024, the Catholic Bishops of the state of Wisconsin released the fourth edition of their pastoral letter titled "Now and at the Hour of our Death." The 25-page document helps foster conversations and answer questions related to end of life decision-making utilizing the Church’s teaching. The document along with several other resources can be found online at this LINK. Our parish also has printed copies available upon request, please email our associate pastor FR. DAN TRACY to receive a copy.

‍