St. Faith’s New Book of Remembrance: May Their Memory Be A Blessing

For many years entries in our Memorial Book were faithfully made by calligraphers connected with St. Faith’s. However, in the past number of years it became more difficult to find anyone with that skill, and sadly the loss of many of our more recent parishioners has not been recorded and therefore their names are not available for display on the anniversary of their death. 

As we accumulated the data for our recently installed Memorial Garden plaques (which show year of interment) we realized that with a little more effort we could gather the names of all our parishioners who died after 1970*, regardless of where they may have been buried, and have a book that will allow us to remember more than those whose ashes are in the Garden.  By switching to a computer printed version with names and date of death we can be assured that this Book of Remembrance may easily be maintained.

The new Book of Remembrance was installed and blessed on Sunday, September 11^th, 2016 on Founder’s Day as St. Faith’s celebrated 69 years of ministry in this neighbourhood.

Gatherer of All Good Memories

here in this sacred place of St. Faith’s
we have come to celebrate a history,
to gather the memories of many decades.

You have sown the deep seeds of faith
and kept alive a parish
through the fidelity of those who prayed here,
and the generousity of those who served here.

While our world is weary and worn with pain,

may we take hope and find courage
in what we celebrate:
the strong faith of our ancestors,
the friendship of our neighbours and relatives,
the generous leadership of pastors,
the goodness of each one willing to reach out
and be there in a time of need.

We thank you, Gracious God, for our faith,

and for this place of worship and community,
which has nourished many souls.

May this book of Remembrance be a constant reminder of those who have come before us.
May we be filled with hope, knowing that the people of St. Faith’s
believe in your constant Presence,
accept your Grace
share your Love,
and celebrate your Life with one Another.

Blessed are you, O God of the faithful.

Blessed are you, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Blog Post by Gillian McIntyre

 

 

* The Memorial Garden was established in 1971. 

   Prior to this records are less accurate.

Portions of the Blessing are taken from “Out of the Ordinary” © 2000 by Joyce Rupp.  Used by permission of Ave Maria Press.  All rights reserved.