121st Psalm

I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

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23rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 

23rd Psalm (Spanish)

El Señor es mi pastor; nada me falta, en verdes pastos él me hace reposar y adonde brota agua fresca me conduce. Fortalece mi alma, por el camino del bueno me dirige por amor de su nombre. Aunque pase por quebradas muy oscuras no tengo ningún mal, porque tú estás conmigo, tu bastón y tu vara me protegen. Me sirves a la mesa frente a mis adversarios, con aceites tú perfumas mi cabeza y rellenas mi copa. Me acompaña tu bondad y tu favor mientras dura mi vida, mi mansión será la casa del Señor por largo, largo tiempo.

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A Beautiful Life

A beautiful life

that came to an end,

he died as he lived,

everyone's friend.

In our hearts a memory

will always be kept,

of one we loved,

and will never forget.

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Afterglow

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one,

I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave

When life is done.

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A Little Step Away

To close the eye, to fall asleep, to draw a labored breath, to find release from daily cares in what we know as death . . . Is this the crowning of life, the aim or end thereof? The totaled sum of consciousness, the ripened fruit of love? It cannot be, for works of God are wrought for nobler ends, and those away continue on in the hearts of kin and friends. It cannot be, for they live on a little step away, the soul, the everlasting life, has found a better day . . .

 

 

A Place Where Children Are

What kind of place would heaven be with all its streets of gold, if all the souls, that dwell up there like yours and mine, were old? How strange would heaven's music sound when harps begin to ring, if children were not gathered 'round to help the angels sing. The children that God sends to us are only just a loan, He knows we need their sunshine to make the house a home. We need the inspiration of a baby's blessed smile. He doesn't say they've come to stay, just lends them for a while. Sometimes it takes them years to do the work for which they come. Sometimes in just a month or two our Father calls them home. I like to think some souls up there bear not one sinful scar. I love to think of heaven as a place where children are.

 

 

A Time Like This

During a time like this, you discover just who your  friends really are.

Thank you for sharing our grief.

(Your Family Name Here)
Example: The Smith Family

 

 

Alleluia, Alleluia

With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is neither sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but lifelasting. Thou only art immortal, who hast created and fashioned man. For out of the earth were we mortals made, and unto the earth shall we return again, as Thou didst command when Thou madest man, saying unto me: For earth thou art, and unto the earth shall thou return. Whether, also, all we mortals wend our way, making of our funeral dirge the song: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

 

 

Always Walk In Sunshine

May you always walk in sunshine and God’s love around you flow, for the happiness you gave us, no one will ever know, it broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, a part of us went with you, the day God called you home. A million times we’ve needed you. A million times we’ve cried. If love could only have saved you, you never would have died.

 

 

An Act of Thanksgiving for the Blessings

O God, the beginning and the end of all things, Who art always the same, and Whose years fail not, we now, at the close of another year, kneel in adoration before Thee, and offer Thee our deepest thanks for the fatherly care with which Thou has watched over us during the past, for the many times Thou hast protected us from evils of soul and body, and for the numberless blessings, both temporal and spiritual, which Thou hast showered upon us. May it please Thee to accept the homage of our grateful hearts which we offer Thee in union with the infinite thanksgiving of Thy divine Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen.

 

 

And God Said… No

I asked God to take away my pride. And God said "No". He said it was not for him to take away, but for me to give it up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. And God said "No". He said her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. And God said "No". He said patience is a by product of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned. I asked God to give me happiness. And God said "No". He said he gives me blessings, happiness is up to me. I asked God to spare me pain. And God said "No". He said suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said "No". He said I must grow on my own. But he will prune me to make me fruitful. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. And God said "No". He said I will give you life, that you may enjoy all things. I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me. And God said, Ah, finally you have the idea.

 

 

Ave Maria

Dios te salve Maria.
Llena eres de gracia El Señor es contigo bendita eres entre todas las mujeres bendito es el fruto de tu vientre Jesus.
Santa Maria Madre de Dios ruega por nosotros los pecadores ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte.
Amen.

 

 

Blessings

God bless those I love

(say the name(s) of those you love)
And all the people in the world
The sick, the poor, the needy,
The hungry, the homeless,
The lost and the lonely
Show them Your presence, oh Lord
Let them know You love them
Help us to love You, to respect You
To honor You and to obey You
All the days of our lives
We ask You this through Jesus Christ,
Our Lord, Amen

 

 

Cardinal Newman

May He support us all the day long till the shades lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then in His Mercy… may He give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last.

 

 

Child's Prayer

"Now I lay me down to sleep; I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take."

 

 

Christ Have Mercy

With the spirits of the righteous made perfect, give rest to the soul of Thy servant, O Saviour; and preserve it in that life of blessedness which is with thee, O thou who lovest mankind. In the place of Thy rest, O lord, where all thy Saints repose, give rest also to the soul of Thy servant for Thou only lovest mankind. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: Thou art our God, who descended into Hell, and loosed the bonds of those who were there, Thyself give rest also to the soul of Thy servant Now and ever unto ages of ages.
Amen.

 

 

Venga A Mi

Dios vio que usted ya estaba cansado, y curarse no debia ser, que el puso sus brasos alrededor de usted y en vos lenta dice, "Viene a mi." Con ojos lacrimosos lo miramos usted, y lo vimos muerir, y aunque nosotros lo amemos estimadamente, nosotros no lo podriamos hacer permanece. Un corazon dorado paro, y sus manos trabajasos descansaron. Dios nos dio las pruevas que el escoje lo mejor.

 

 

Crossing The Bar

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call from me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar
When I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep.
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and place
The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

 

 

Days Without End

GOD, Your days are without end, Your mercies beyond counting. Help us always to remember that life is short and the day of our death is known to You alone. May Your Holy Spirit lead us to live in holiness and justice all our days. Then, after serving You in the fellowship of Your Church, with strong faith, consoling hope, and perfect love for all, may we joyfully come to Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

 

 

De Profundis

Thee O Lord: Lord hear my voice. Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, Lord who shall stand it? For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law, have I waited for Thee O Lord. My soul hath relied on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord. From the morning watch even until night: let Israel hope in the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy and with Him plenteous redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all iniquities. Eternal rest grant him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

 

 

Direction of Intention

My God, I give you this day. I offer you, now, all of the good that I shall do and I promise to accept, for love of you, all of the difficulty that I shall meet. Help me to conduct myself during this day in a manner pleasing to you.
Amen.

St. Francis de Sales

 

 

Do Not Stand

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

 

 

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven.
A time for giving birth, A time for dying,
A time for planting, A time for uprooting what has been planted.
A time for killing, A time for healing;
A time for knocking down, A time for building.
A time for tears, A time for laughter;
A time for mourning, A time for dancing.
A time for throwing stones away, A time for gathering them up;
A time for embracing, A time to refrain from embracing.
A time for searching, A time for losing;
A time for keeping. A time for throwing away.
A time for tearing, A time for sewing;
A time for keeping silent, A time for speaking.
A time for loving, A time for hating;
A time for war, A time for peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

 

 

Fill Not Your Hearts

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt & given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. Because, I will remember you all, and look on with a smile. Understand in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.

 

 

Firefighter's Prayer

Almighty God, protector of all, your strength, power, and wisdom are a beacon of light to all: Give special guidance to firefighters so that we may be protected from harm while performing our duty. Help me with your loving care while I work to save the lives and property of all people, young and old. Give me the courage, the alertness to protect my neighbors and all others whom I am pledged to aid when involved in fire or accident. Amen

 

 

Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God 
Wherever flames may rage
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from 
The horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert and
Hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor 
And protect their property
And if according to your will
I have to lose my life 
Please bless with your protecting hand
My children and my wife

 

 

Footprints

One night I dreamed I was walking along the
beach with the Lord.  Scenes from my life
flashed across the sky.  In each, I noticed
footprints in the sand.  Sometimes there were
two sets of footprints; other times there was
only one.

During the lowest times of my life I could see
only one set of footprints, so I said, “Lord, you
promised me, that you would walk with me
always.  Why, when I have needed you most,
would you leave me?”

The Lord replied, “My precious child, I love
you and would never leave you.  The times
when you have seen only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.”

 

 

Footsteps

God sees when the footsteps all falter

When the pathway has grown too steep,

Then He touches the weary eyelids

And gives His dear ones sleep.

 

 

God The Creator

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant unto the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins; that, by pious supplications, they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired. Grant this, O God, Who livest and reignest for ever and ever.
Amen.

Sweet Heart of Mary be my salvation! Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us. Our Father, -- Hail Mary, --

 

 

God The Giver

"Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.”
St. Matthew, Verse 5

O God, the giver of pardon and lover of human salvation, have mercy on your servant who has departed from this world. May the intercession of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, and all your Saints assist this soul in attaining eternal happiness. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Amen.

 

 

Going To Heaven

When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourselves to me with tears, just be happy that we had some years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone. Do grieve a while for me if you must then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a while that we must part, so keep our memories within your hearts. I won't be far away, for life goes on. so if you need me call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me I'll be near, and if you listen with your heart you will hear, All of my love around so soft and dear. And then when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say Welcome Home.

 

 

Guardian Angel

Guardian Angel from heaven so bright,
Watching beside me to lead me aright,
Fold thy wings round me, and guard me with love,
Softly sing songs to me of heaven above. Amen.

 

 

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

 

 

Heaven Needed an Angel

Heaven needed an angel so they called you on this day. And even though you’re not standing beside us, we know you’re never far away. We are blessed to have you with us to watch us grow, laugh and smile. The sadness that we feel in your absence may last us quite awhile. When you look down from heaven, please send us gifts of love and peace. Help us come to an end of our sorrow and our grief. One thing we know for sure is that you love all of us as much as we love you. Your spirit will live on and so will our love for you.

 

 

If Tears Could Build A Stairway

If tears could build a stairway

And thoughts a memory lane

We’d walk right up to heaven

And bring you home again.

 

Our hearts still active in sadness

And secret tears still flow

What it meant to lose you

No one will ever know.

 

But now we know you want us

To mourn for you no more

To remember all the happy times

Life still has much in store.

 

Since you’ll never be forgotten

We pledge to you today

A hallowed place within our hearts

Is where you’ll always stay…

 

 

He Only Takes The Best

God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “Come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we love you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

 

 

I Said a Prayer for You Today

I said a prayer for you today And know God must have heard. I felt the answer in my heart Although He spoke no word! I didn't ask for wealth of fame (I knew you wouldn't mind). I asked Him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind! I asked that He'd be near you At the start of each new day; To grant your health and blessings And friends to share your way! I asked for happiness for you In all things great and small. But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all!

 

 

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free; I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call; I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone will stay that way; I found that peace at close of day.

If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free.

 

 

In Time of Danger

O God, Who knowest us to be set in the midst of such great perils, that, by reason of the weakness of our nature, we cannot stand upright, grant us such health of mind and body, that those evils which we suffer for our sins we may overcome through Thine assistance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

Incline Thine Ear
"We have loved them during life, let us not abandon them, until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house of the Lord."
St. Ambrose

Incline Thine ear, O Lord, unto our prayers, wherein we humbly pray Thee to show Thy mercy upon the soul of Thy servant, whom Thou hast commanded to pass out of this world, that Thou wouldst place him in the region of peace and light, and bid him be a partaker with Thy Saints.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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Jesus, Lord, I love you

Jesus, Lord, I love you
More than I can tell
Not from want of heaven
Not from fear of hell
Not for what you give me
Not for what you bring
But for you, All Holy,
Just for you I live.

 

 

John 14: 1-3

Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

 

 

Labourer's Task Over

Now the labourer's task is over;

Now the battle day is past;

Now upon the farther shore

Lands the voyager at last.

Father, in Thy gracious keeping

Leave we now thy servant sleeping.

 

 

Leaf after Leaf

Leaf after leaf

flower after flower

some in the dawn of day

some in the after hour.

Alive they flourish,

and alive they fall

and the earth that sustained them

receives them in fall.

 

 

Let Us Pray

Almighty God, through the death of Your Son on the cross, you have overcome death for us. Through his burial and resurrection from the dead you have made the grave a holy place and restored to us eternal life. We pray for those who died believing in Jesus and are buried with him in the hope of rising again. God of the living and the dead, may those who faithfully believed in you on earth praise you forever in the joy of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

 

Let Us Pray, Children

Almighty and most merciful God who, when little children born again of water depart this mortal life, dost forthwith, without any desert o of other, bestow upon them life everlasting, as we believe Thou hast done to this little child, grant, we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all Thy Saints, we may serve Thee here with pure minds and be forever united to the blessed little ones in Paradise. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

 

Lord Support Us

Lord, support us all day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last.

Amen.

 

 

Loved Her

Father we entrust our sister to your mercy. You loved her greatly in this life: now that she is freed from all its cares, give her happiness and peace for ever. Welcome her now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

 

 

Loved Him

Father we entrust our brother to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace for ever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

 

 

Love Is Patient

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

 

 

Mass for the Dead

It is truly right and just, proper and helpful toward salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. In the same Christ the hope of a blessed resurrection has dawned for us, bringing all who are under the certain, sad sentence of death the consoling promise of future immortality. For those who have been faithful, O Lord, life is not ended, but merely changed; and when this earthly abode dissolves, an eternal dwelling place awaits them in heaven. Eternal rest grant them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

Amen.

 

 

Memorare

Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help, and sought Thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of virgins. My Mother! to Thee I come; before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Oh Mother of the Word incarnate despise not my petitions, but, in Thy mercy, hear and answer me.

Amen.

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Mother

A light from our household is gone,

A voice we loved is still.

A place is vacant in our home,

That never can be filled.

You can only have one mother,

Patient, kind and true.

No other friend in all the world,

Will be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you,

To mother you will return

For all her loving kindness,

She asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture,

Sweet memories we recall,

Of a face so full of sunshine,

And a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus take our message,

To our dear mother above.

Tell her how we miss her,

And give her all our love.

 

 

Music

Music has moments of rapturous sound
And intervals of rest.

It thrills the heart with its majesty
And soothes it when suppressed.

Life too has ringing,
throbbing tones
And muted, silent keys,

Yet both are merged
at the Master's touch
Into living symphonies.

 

 

O Faithful Departed

O, God,
The Creator and Redeemer
Of all the Faithful
Grant to the Souls
Of Thy Servants departed
The remission of all their sins;
That through pious supplications
They may obtain the pardon
Which they have always desired
Who Iivest and reignest
World without end.

Amen.

 

 

O Gentlest Heart

O gentlest heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls, have mercy on the soul of thy departed servant. Be not severe in Thy judgement but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames, and do Thou O Merciful Saviour, send Thy Angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen Merciful Jesus grant eternal rest.

 

 

Perhaps

Perhaps you sent a lovely card
Or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a floral piece,
If so, we saw it there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words
As any friends could say,
Perhaps you were not there at all,
Just thought of us this day.

Whatever you did, whatever your part,
We prayerfully thank you for consoling our hearts.

 

 

Poem for Thy Living

When I am dead,
cry for me a little.
Think of me sometimes,
but not too much.
It is not good for you, or your wife
or your husband, or your children
to allow your thoughts to dwell
too long on the dead.
Think of me now and again as I was
in life at some moment which it
is pleasant to recall.
But not too long.
Leave me in peace as I shall
leave you, too, in peace.

While you live, let your thoughts
be with the living.

 

 

Police Officer's Prayer

Lord, I ask for courage;
Courage to face and conquer my own fears...
Courage to take me where others will not go.
I ask for strength;
Strength of body to protect others...
Strength of spirit to lead others.
I ask dedication;
Dedication to my job to do it well...
Dedication to my community to keep it safe.
Give me, Lord, concern;
For all those who trust me...
And compassion for those who need me
And, please, Lord, through it all; be at my side.

 

 

Police Officer's Prayer to St. Michael

Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police, who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly force. Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgment. Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations. You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration. And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people.

Amen.

 

 

Prayer about St. Patrick

God our Father, you sent Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the people of Ireland. By the help of his prayers, may all Christians proclaim your love to all men. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. From the Proper of Saints.

 

 

Prayer for Crucifix

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus while before Your face I humbly kneel and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment. While I contemplate, with great love and tender pity, Your five most precious wounds. Pondering over them within me and calling to mind the words which David, Your prophet, said of You, my Jesus: "They have pierced my hands and my feet, they have numbered all my bones".

Amen.

 

 

Prayer for the Faithful Departed

O God,
The Creator and Redeemer
Of all the Faithful,
Grant to the Souls
Of Thy Servants departed
The remission of all their sins;
That through pious supplications
They may obtain the pardon
Which they have always desired
Who livest and reignest
World without end. Amen.

 

 

Prayer For Peace

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who said to Your Apostles: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you," regard not my sins but the faith of Your Church, and deign to give her peace and unity according to Your Will: Who live and reign, God, world without end. Amen.

 

 

Prayer of Solace

May Christ support us all the day long, till the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging, and holy rest and peace at the last.
Amen.

 

 

Priest Prayer

O God, who amongst Thy Apostolic priests has raised up Thy servant, to the dignity of a priest, grant, we beseech Thee, that He may also be admitted in heaven to their everlasting fellowship, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

 

 

Reflections

We little knew that morning God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, we will see each other again.

 

 

Resurrection Prayer

Most merciful Father, we commend our departed into your hands. We are filled with the sure hope that our departed will rise again on the Last Day with all who have died in Christ. We thank you for all the good things you have given during our departed's earthly life. O Father, in your great mercy, accept our prayer that the Gates of Paradise may be opened for your servant. In our turn, may we too be comforted by the words of faith until we greet Christ in glory and are united with you and our departed. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

 

Roman Ritual

May the Angels lead you into Paradise, may the Martyrs receive you at your coming, and take you to Jerusalem the holy city. May the choirs of the Angels receive you, and may you with the once poor Lazarus, have rest ever lasting. Amen.
(Roman Ritual)

May the Souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

 

 

Romans 14:7-8

None of us lives unto himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord So then whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

 

 

Safely Home

I am home in heaven, dear ones.
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is a perfect joy and beauty
In the everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in heaven at last.
There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand,
Do it now, while life remaineth--
You shall rest in God's own land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting
Oh, the joy to see you come!

 

 

Saint Anthony, Reviver of the Dead

Dear St. Anthony, I believe in the resurrection of the body. I have Christ's solemn pledge that whoever believes in Him, though he should die, shall live again. St. Anthony, Reviver of the Dead, through your mighty prayers life was restored to the dead. Confirm my faith in the resurrection. Make me a confident Christian who expects a glorious Easter beyond the grave. Please take my need to God in prayer. (Name your special intentions.)

 

 

St. Anne

O Glorious St. Anne, thou art filled with compassion for those who invoke thee and with love for those who suffer! Heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I therefore cast myself at thy feet and humbly beg of thee to take under thy special protection the present affair which I recommend to thee. Vouchsafe to recommend it to thy Daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all obtain for me the grace of one day to behold my God face to face, and with thee and Mary and the saints to praise and bless Him for all Eternity. Amen.

 

 

St. Anthony

O glorious St. Anthony, safe refuge of the afflicted and distressed, who by miraculous revelation has directed all those who seek aid to come to Thy altar with the promise that whosoever visits it for nine consecutive Tuesdays, and there piously invokes thee, will feel the power of the intercession. I, a poor sinner, encouraged by this promise, come to thee. O powerful Saint, and with a firm hope I implore thy aid, thy protection, thy counsel and thy blessing. Obtain for me, I beseech thee my request in this necessity. But if it should be opposed to the Will of God and the welfare of my soul, obtain for me such other graces as shall be conducive to my salvation. Thru Christ our Lord.

 

 

St. Augustine

Watch thou, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ, rest your weary ones, pity your dying ones, pity your afflicted ones, and all for your love's sake!

 

 

St. Francis
Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master; grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, and it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

 

 

Saint John Neumann

Your ardent desire to bring all souls to Christ impelled you to leave home and country. Teach us to live worthily in the Spirit of our baptism, which makes us children of the one heavenly Father. And brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, the first-born of the family of God. Obtain for us that complete dedication to the needy, the weak, the afflicted and the abandoned, which so characterized your life. Help us to persevere in the difficult and, at times, painful paths of duty. May death find us on the sure road to our Father's house with the light of living faith in our hearts. Amen.

 

 

St. Jude

St. Jude, glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the true Church invokes you universally as the Patron of things despaired of; pray for me, who am so miserable pray for me, that finally I may receive the consolations and the succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly(make your request here) and I may bless God with the Elect throughout Eternity. Amen.

St. Jude, Apostle, martyr and relative of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Mary and of Joseph, intercede for us.

 

 

St. Michael

St. Michael the Archangel,

Defend us in battle
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly house,
By the power of God, thrust into hell
Satan and all evil spirits
Who wander through the world
For the ruin of souls.

Amen.

 

 

St. Patrick

O great Apostle of Ireland, glorious St. Patrick, to whom under God, so many are indebted for the most precious of all treasures, the great gift of Faith, receive our fervant thanks for the zeal and charity which have been to thousands the source of blessings so invaluable. Ask for all who dwell in this land and the land of thy labors, the precious light of Faith, and beg for us on whom its glorious rays have long since beamed, the grace to regulate our lives by its sacred maxims.

 

 

St. Pucci (Her)

We seem to give Her back to you, O Lord, who gave Her to us. Yet as You did not lose Her in giving, so we do not lose Her by Her return. Not as the world gives, do you give O Lover of souls. What you give you do not take away, for what is yours is ours also if we are Yours. And life is eternal and love is immortal and death is only a horizon and a horizon is nothing but the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong son of God that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; draw us closer to yourself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with you. And while you prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place that where you are we may be also.

 

 

St. Pucci (Him)

We seem to give Him back to you, O Lord, who gave Him to us. Yet as You did not lose Him in giving, so we do not lose Him by His return. Not as the world gives, do you give O Lover of souls. What you give you do not take away, for what is yours is ours also if we are Yours. And life is eternal and love is immortal and death is only a horizon and a horizon is nothing but the limit of our
sight. Lift us up, strong son of God that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; draw us closer to yourself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with you. And while you prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place that where you are we may be also.

 

 

Prayer to Saint Rita

O God, in your infinite mercy you looked with love on your faithful servant Rita and granted through her intercession that which is beyond the power of mankind and the wisdom of this world. Through that love which bound St. Rita to you turn to us in mercy and aid us in our difficulties. Grant that all may come to know that you alone are the reward of the humble, the protection of the abandoned, and the strength of all those who trust in you.

 

 

St. Therese

O little flower of Jesus,
Ever consoling troubled souls
with Heavenly Graces,
In your unfailing intercession
I place my confident trust.
From the Heart of our Blessed
Saviour petition these Blessings
of which I stand in greatest need.
Shower upon me your promised Roses
of Virtue and Grace, dear
St. Therese, so that swiftly
advancing in sanctity and in
perfect love of neighbor, I may
someday receive the
Crown of Life Eternal.
Amen.

 

 

Sunny Skies

All sunny skies would be too bright,
All morning hours mean too much light,
All laughing days too gay a strain;
There must be clouds, and night, and rain,
And shut-in days, to make us see
The beauty of life's tapestry.

 

 

Taps

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lake, from the hill
From the sky.

All is well, safely rest
God is nigh.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars,
'Neath the sky.

As we go, this we know,
God is nigh.

Amen.

 

 

That We May Be Made Worthy

O Lord, who has said: "Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven"; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to walk in the footsteps of thy blessed Virgin Theresa with a humble and single heart, that we may attain to everlasting rewards: Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

 

 

The Blessing of St. Francis of Assisi

The Lord bless you and keep you. May He show His face to you and have mercy. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. The Lord bless you!

 

 

The Hand of God

Though today, you walk in sorrow
You will not be alone
There is One whose loving wisdom
Is far greater than our own
Put your trusting hand in His
As a little child would do
And He like a loving father
Will guide and comfort you!

Day by day, there will come to you
New faith, new hope, new light
You'll find that stars unseen by day
Shine through the darkest night
And though your heart is longing
For the dear one who's at rest
You'll know before the journey's end
That God's dear ways are best!

 

 

The Lord's Prayer

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.

Amen.

 

 

The Precious Gift

One gift, above all others
God gives to us to treasure
One that knows no time, no place
And one gold cannot measure.

The precious, poignant, tender gift
Of Memory --- that will keep
Our dear ones ever in our hearts
Although God gives them sleep.

It brings back long remembered things
A song, a word, a smile
And our world's a better place — because
We had them for awhile!

 

 

The Serenity

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

 

 

Thy Faithful People

For Thy faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, and when the house of this life on earth is gone, an eternal home is prepared. With them, O Lord let us be united, knowing that neither death nor life can separate us from Thy love.

 

 

To one in Sorrow

Let me come in where you are weeping, friend,
And let me take your hand.
I, who have known a sorrow such as yours,
Can understand.

Let me come in — I would be very still
Beside you in your grief;
I would not bid you cease
your weeping, friend,
Tears bring relief.

Let me come in -- I would only breathe a prayer,
And hold your hand,
For I have known a sorrow such as yours, and understand.

 

 

To Our Lord

Lord Jesus Christ, who willest that no man should perish, and to whom petition is never made without the hope of mercy, for Thou saidst with Thine own holy and blessed lips: "All things whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, shall be done unto you"; I beg of Thee, O Lord, for Thy holy Name's sake, to grant me at the hour of my death full consciousness and the power of speech, sincere contrition for my sins, true faith, firm hope and perfect charity, that I may be able to say unto Thee with a clean heart: Thou has redeemed me, O God of truth, who art blessed for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

Too Little Time

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see. The longer I live the more my mind dwells upon the beauty and the wonder of the world.

 

 

Treasured Seasons

For everything there is an appointed season,
And a time for everything under heaven

A time for sharing
a time for caring.
A time for loving,
a time for giving;
A time for remembering,
a time for parting.
You have made everything beautiful in its time
For everything You do remains forever.

 

 

Trust in God

Into Thy Hands, O Lord, and into the hands of Thy holy Angels, I commit and entrust this day my soul, my relatives, my benefactors, my friends and enemies, and all Thy Catholic people. Keep us, O Lord, through the day, by the merits and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all Thy Saints, from all vicious and unruly desires, from all sins and temptations of the devil, and from sudden and unprovided death and the pains of hell. Enlighten my heart with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit; grant that I may always be obedient to Thy commandments; suffer me not to be separated from Thee, O God, who livest and reignest with God the Father and the same Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Edmund

 

 

Turn Again to Life

If I should die and leave you here awhile,
Be not like others, sore undone, who keep
Long vigil by the silent dust and weep.

For my sake turn again to life and smile,
Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do
That which will comfort other souls than thine;

Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine,
And I, Perchance, may therein comfort you.

 

 

We Give Them Back

We give them back to you, O Lord, who first gave them to us; yet as you did not lose them in the giving, so we do not lose them by their return… For what is yours is ours also, if we belong to you. Love is unending, and the boundary of this mortal life is but a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see more clearly… And while you prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that we may be with you and with those we loved forevermore.

 

 

We Would Not

We would not have you lack understanding concerning those in the sleep of death, lest you yield to grief like others, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and yet rose, so also will God bring forth with him those who have fallen asleep believing in Jesus.

 

 

When Curtain Falls

When through our tears of sorrow we see a curtain fall,

And know a dearly-loved one has gone beyond our call,

We must have faith and confidence in God and in His way,

For He will raise the curtain on a fairer scene some day.

 

 

When I Must Leave

When I must leave you for a little while -- please do not grieve and shed wild tears and hug your sorrow to you through the years, But start out bravely with a gallant smile: And for my sake and in my name live on and do all things the same, Feed not your loneliness on empty days, But fill each waking hour in useful ways, Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer and I in turn will comfort you and hold you near; And never, never be afraid to die, For I am waiting for you in the sky.

 

 

Wings Against Sun

Forever earthbound are my feet,
Upon the rocky road ahead,
But high among the clouds, my thoughts,
And so my heart is comforted.
And if one shoulder aches, I shift
The burden to the other side,
Remembering the times I've laughed,
And not the ones in which I've cried.

Too short indeed these precious years,
To let a dream die needlessly,
Beyond tomorrow there awaits
A time and place designed for me,
And old hopes rising one by one,
Are golden wings against the sun!

 

 

Your Gentle Face

Your gentle face and patient smile, with sadness we recall. You had a kindly word for each and died beloved by all. The voice is mute and stilled the heart that loved us well and true. Ah, bitter was the trial to part from one so good as you. You are not forgotten loved one nor will you ever be, as long as life and memory last we will remember thee. We miss you now, our hearts are sore, as time goes by we miss you more, your loving smile, your gentle face, no one can fill your vacant place.

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