Life does not end with death. When people die and go to heaven, “they move on to life beyond us.”
Such was the reminder Deacon Richard Arcari offered in his homily to the nearly 200 people who gathered for the annual Memorial Mass for Deceased Deacons celebrated Nov. 9 in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Church, Hamilton.
“We come together to pray as we know how and to affirm our belief of life continuing in heaven,” said Deacon Arcari.
Present for the Mass that was organized by the diocesan Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life were wives and family members who came together during the month of remembrance to pray for deceased deacons of the Diocese. Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life for the Diocese and director of seminarians, was principal celebrant of the Mass, with Father Gene Daguplo, pastor of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, and Father Edward Jawidzik, parochial vicar, concelebrating.
In his homily, Deacon Arcari, who serves in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, noted that he chooses to use the word “passed” when referring to the deceased “because it seems to more clearly describe death in our Christian faith.
“In our prayers today, we remember all of our loved ones who have touched our lives who have passed, and we celebrate their success in this journey,” he said. Of his deceased brother deacons, he said that, “They heard the call of Jesus, they responded, they were ordained, they faithfully and joyfully fulfilled their diaconate mission, and the Lord called them back again.In faith they responded and are now deacons in heaven.”
Most poignant during the memorial Mass each year is when the names of deceased deacons of the Diocese are read aloud. As the name is read, a family member or a brother deacon is invited to place a flower in the vases that are set up near the sanctuary. This year, in addition to the reading of 178 deceased deacons’ names, the congregation remembered in prayer John G. Gilligan, a candidate in the diocesan diaconate formation program and member of St. Catherine Laboure Parish, who died suddenly Nov. 7. Msgr. Mullelly remembered Mr. Gilligan as being “the most humble, kind and helpful person.”
Prior to the Final Blessing, Msgr. Mullely thanked the families and friends of the deceased deacons saying, “Today, we thank God for those deacons who have served in the Diocese of Trenton.
On behalf of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Msgr. Mullelly continued, “I am happy to be here and to share with you his gratitude and all of those in the Diocese of Trenton who have been touched by your presence of Christ and have been blessed by your husband, your father, your grandfather, your good friend, your brother deacon.
“We honor them, we remember them, we pray for them and we pray to them, that they will continue to make intercessions before the throne of Almighty God for us who remain,” said Msgr. Mullelly.
After Mass, the guests were invited to share fellowship and fond memories of their loved ones.
Sadie Novitsky, widow of Deacon Myron Novitsky of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, remarked on how special the annual Memorial Mass is because, “It brings us together with the deacons and the other wives.For me, the Mass revisits and acknowledges my faith.My faith helps me get through the loss,” Novitsky said, noting that her husband died in 2006.
Deacon Michael Riley, associate director of the Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life, said the Memorial Mass for Deceased Deacons has been celebrated for at least 30 years and “is also in appreciation not only for everything the deacons have done, but also the sacrifices that their families have made.
“Remembering the deacons who have moved on before us and bringing everyone together and supporting one another is important,” said Deacon Riley.
Deacon Joe Hannawacker, who was ordained in 1977 and currently serves in Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, attends the Memorial Mass each year because it is a special way for him to remember his deceased classmates in prayer.
“We never forget them.We do this every year.We remember then by name. We remember their service, their ministry and their friendship,” said Deacon Hannawacker. “You can tell by the number of people who attend.This Mass is important to us.”