Download - 08-05-12 Bilingual-bulletin
EL PAN DE VIDA
El Evangelio de hoy presenta a la gente
haciéndole tres preguntas a Jesús. Primero:
“¿cuándo llegaste acá?”, a la que Jesús
responde con una reprimenda por su incapacidad
para entender el milagro como una “señal”, una
ocasión para poner la fe en él. La segunda
pregunta tenía que ver con la realización de las
“obras de Dios” a la que Jesús responde que la
fe es la “obra” que Dios desea. Muchos eruditos
creen que esta es la respuesta de Juan a la
dicotomía fe-obras que estaba surgiendo en la
primera comunidad cristiana. La fe es la obra de
Dios en el creyente, Juan nos quiere
hacer entender. La tercera pregunta
que hace la multitud es una “señal”
que les permita poner su fe en Jesús,
como el maná en el desierto
permitió a los israelitas poner su fe
en el Señor Dios. Jesús responde
con la revelación de que él es el
“pan de vida” que “baja del cielo y
da la vida al mundo”.
A U G U S T 5 , 2 0 1 2 / 1 8 T H S U N D A Y I N O R D I N A R Y T I M E
5 D E A G O S T O D E 2 0 1 2 / D E C I M O C T O V O D O M I N G O D E L T I E M P O O R D I N A R I O
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701 State Route 431, Incline Village, NV 89451 775.831.0490 office 775.831.2045 fax www.sftahoe.org
Photo by: www.DaliaPhoto.com
Jane O’Brien PT, MSPT
889 Alder Ave., Ste. 105 Incline Village, NV 89451
(775) 831-6600
www.northtahoept.com
Katie Christensen
Broker/Salesperson 775.762.3935
Roger Christensen Marketing
775.762.1908 [email protected]
Team Christensen Since 1964
931 Tahoe Blvd. Incline Village, NV
Pat Lucas REALTOR
Ca #01116796 NV #S.0167380 530-400-3992 direct www.patlucas.com [email protected]
Distinctive Properties Cottages to Lakefronts
1225 N. Lake Boulevard, P.O. Box 104, Tahoe City, California 96145 923 Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 101, Incline Village, Nevada 89451
Please support our bulletin advertisers.
Mary Reimer - Realtor Realtor and Parishioner since 1990
Toll Free 877.403.7949
Direct 775.742.7020
E-mail [email protected]
www.maryreimer.com
931 Tahoe Boulevard, #1A, Incline Village, Nevada 89451
landscape
– Since 1978 –
—
Italian Restaurant
Open for Dinner at 5 pm (7 days weekly)
(775) 831-0346 www.Azzaras.com
THE BREAD OF LIFE
Today’s Gospel has the crowd asking Jesus
three questions. First, “When did you get here,”
to which Jesus responds by rebuking them for
their failure to grasp his miracle as a “sign,” an
occasion to put faith in him. Their second
question about accomplishing the “works of
God” has Jesus respond that faith is the “work”
that God wishes. Many scholars believe this is
John’s answer to the faith-works dichotomy
emerging in the early Christian community.
Faith is the work of God in the believer, John
would have us understand. The third question
asked by the crowd is a request for
a “sign” that would allow them to
put faith in Jesus, as the manna in
the desert allowed the Israelites to
put faith in the Lord God. Jesus
answers by revealing himself as
the “bread of life” that “comes
down from heaven and gives life
to the world.”
775.825. HOME (4663)
Toll Free Fax 866-357-6688
www.HomeWatchCareGivers.com
Homewatch CareGivers is a member of the
National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) License # 5384PCS-1
- Comprehensive Personal Care
- Light Housekeeping & Meal Preparation
- Transportation, Medicine Reminders
- 2 to 24 Hour Care - 7 Days a Week
- Caregiver Background Check & Drug Test
Pg. 2 Pg. 11
Declaración De Visión La Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís es conocida como una parroquia vibrante y el centro de la espiritualidad para Lake Tahoe donde parroquianos y visitantes están comprometidos
activamente a compartir su amor, su talento y atender al
desarrollo espiritual y las necesidades de los otros.
Pastor: Reverend William Nadeau [email protected] Deacon: Don Korson [email protected] OR 775-852-3650 Music Liturgy Director & Media: Lynne Cibulsky [email protected] Assoc. Music Director: Tim Callicrate [email protected] Religious Education: Jodi Clouthier [email protected] Pastoral/Administrative Assistant: Liz Correa [email protected] Parish Administrator: Ed Orsua [email protected] Pastoral Associate: Katie Christensen [email protected] Hispanic Ministries: Deacon Jose Castro [email protected] Youth Ministry Leader: Tim Kelly [email protected]@sftahoe.org Front Office: Kesia Parkhill & Dora Diaz [email protected]
Welcome to Saint Francis of Assisi /
Bienvenida a St. Francisco de Asís Vision Statement
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church shall be known as a
vibrant parish and center of spirituality for North Lake Tahoe
where parishioners and visitors are actively committed to
sharing their love, talent, and treasures in ministering to the
spiritual growth, and needs of others.
Mission Statement
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we are a Catholic faith community
welcoming all to experience the presence of God by celebrating
the Eucharist and embracing the teaching of the Holy Scriptures
and Traditions. We minister to all people of North Lake Tahoe
where diversity, life challenges, spiritual growth and respect for
our precious resources are celebrated and embraced by
providing compassionate services through Christ.
Declaración de Misión
Guiados por el Espíritu Santo, somos una comunidad de fe y les damos la bienvenida a todos para que experimenten la
presencia de Dios mediante la celebración de la Eucaristía que acepten las enseñanzas de las Sagradas Escrituras y las tradiciones.
Servimos a toda la gente del norte de Lake Tahoe, donde la
diversidad los desafíos, de la vida, el crecimiento espiritual y el respeto de nuestros recursos que son apreciados y son celebrados
a través de los servicios de Cristo compasivo.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Saturday
9 am to 5 pm
BULLETIN REQUESTS:
Please submit notices & articles for the church bulletin to:
Lynne Cibulsky at [email protected].
PLEASE OBSERVE OUR TUESDAY 5 PM DEADLINE
FOR ALL BULLETIN CONTRIBUTIONS.
ALL REQUESTS ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL.
Mass Schedule / Horario de Misa Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 6:00 pm (Español)* *Por favor, tenga en cuenta nueva hora para la Misa en Español el 1 de Julio de 2012. Weekdays: 9:00 am (Tuesday—Friday)
Sacraments
Reconciliation: Saturdays—4:00 pm (or by appointment)
Reconciliación: Sábados a las 4:00 pm o por sita.
775.833.FOTO (3686) www.DaliaPhoto.com
Weddings Portraiture Promotional Special Events
Sacraments /Sacramentos
Baptism/Bautizo: Pre-baptismal English Classes are held the first Wednesday of
each month; call Cathy Cecil, 831-6810 or 622-3378. Spanish
Classes are held the first Monday of each month; call Natividad
Morales, 832-8035.
Clases Pre bautismales en ingles cada primer miércoles del mes, hable con Cathy Cecil 831-6810. En español, cada primer lunes del mes hable Natividad Morales, 832-8085.
Ministry to the Homebound / Eucaristía en Casa: Please call the parish office, 831-0490.
Hable a la oficina.
Marriage Preparation/Preparación de Matrimonio:
For English, call Beth & Dieter Krewedl, 530-587-1172
Parish Ministries and Programs /
Ministerios y Programas de Parroquia
In this week’s bulletin, on page 3, you will find a
complete list of our current ministries and
programs, coordinators, and contact information.
This list will be published monthly. (Weekly in the
Summer.) We encourage you to keep this page as a
handy reference guide.
En esta semana en el boletín, en la pagina 3, usted van a encontrar una lista completa de los contactos
y la información de los coordinadores de ministerios y programas. Esta será publicada cada
mes. (Semanalmente en el Verano.) Les rogamos que guarde esta para guía
Immaculate Heart Radio is partnering
with Bishop Calvo to provide a
15-minute weekly radio spot at
Living the Faith.
http://www.catholicbroadcasting.com/
livingthefaith-reno/
Welcome to your newest
bulletin advertiser
(back cover),
Al Schulte of
North Shore Plumbing!
Thank you for
supporting all of our
St. Francis of Assisi
Advertisers.
Pg. 10
10 am Coffee &
Pastries
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Anointing of the
Sick at Daily
Mass
9:00 am
Novenario
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Reconciliation
4:00 pm
Reconciliation
4:00 pm
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Reconciliation
4:00 pm
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Reconciliation
4:00 pm
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Diocese DRE
Meeting
Parish Hall
10:00- 2:00
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Last Day to
sign-up
For Youth Ralley
SUN/dom MON/lun TUE/mar WED/mier THUR/juev FRI/vier SAT/sab
1 2 3 4
5 6 7
8
9 10 11
12 13
14
15 16
17 18
19 20 21 22
23
24
25
26
27
28 29 30 31
4:00 pm
Reconciliation
5 pm Mass / Misa
4:00 pm
Reconciliation
4:00 pm
Reconciliation
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
5 pm Mass / Misa
K of C 4th
Degree
Assembly Mtg.
5 pm in Hall
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
9 am Mass/Misa
11am Mass/Misa
6 pm Misa/Mass
en Español
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
10 am
Baptism
K of C
Council Mtg.
5:00 pm Officers
5:30 pm Business
Parish Hall
9 am Mass/Misa
11am Mass/Misa
6 pm Misa/Mass
en Español
Pg. 3
5 pm Mass / Misa
4:00 pm
Reconciliation
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
10:30 Staff Mtg.
9:30 a.m. Finance
Council Mtg.
RE Teachers’ Mtgs.
Noon or 5 pm
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
6:30—8 pm
Grupo Biblico
5 pm Mass / Misa
Choir 4:30-6 pm
6 pm Practica
de Coro
St. Francis of Assisi Ministries & Programs /Ministerios y Programas de San Francisco
MINISTRY/PROGRAM COORDINATOR PRIMARY CONTACT
Pastoral Council Bob Mimiaga [email protected]
Finance Council Diane Severance [email protected]
Hispanic Ministry Deacon Jose Castro [email protected] Religious Education Jodi Clouthier [email protected]
Liturgy Committee Katie Christensen [email protected]
Music Ministry Lynne Cibulsky [email protected]
Knights of Columbus Torre Mercogliano [email protected]
Small Church Communities Sharon Hatch [email protected]
Just Faith Ministry Judy Grassilli [email protected]
Project Dresser Denise Azzara [email protected]
Lectors/Eucharistic Ministers Pat Crow [email protected]
Altar Servers Melissa White [email protected]
Ushers Mike Pennacchio [email protected]
Sacristan Charleen Knieriem [email protected]
Kinder Church Position Currently Open
Blanket Ministry Annette Mimiaga [email protected]
RCIA Torre Mercogliano [email protected]
Wedding Preparation Beth & Dieter Krewedl [email protected]
Baptism Preparation Chuck & Cathy Cecil [email protected]
Homebound Ministry Wilma VandenEkart [email protected]
Youth Ministry Tim Kelly [email protected]
Hospitality Ministry Vern & Pat Lucas [email protected]
Art & Environment Nancy Henderson [email protected]
Clerical Support Brenda Boutte [email protected]
CSA Campaign Gail & John Krolick [email protected]
Stewardship Dave Collins [email protected]
Protecting God’s Children Jodi Clouthier [email protected]
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Mike & Jane Maloney [email protected]
Rosary Ministry Gayle & Mike Archer [email protected]
Legacy Society Ministry Roberta & Clay Klein [email protected]
NOTE to All Ministry Heads: Please e-mail Lynne Cibulsky at [email protected] if your e-mail address changes or you prefer to list a telephone contact number.
We have a vast array of ministries and programs serving the St. Francis Parish and
Northern Nevada communities at large. There are many ways for parishioners to become
involved through the use of their time, talent, and treasure. We encourage you to contact
us if you have questions or would like to become more involved in our faith community.
For your convenience, this list will be published monthly in our bulletin.
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
6 pm Practica
de Coro
3 pm Wedding
(Fr. Bill
@ Smith Valley)
NO
Grupo Biblico
NO Choir
11 am Bautizo
6:30—8 pm
Grupo Biblico
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
6:30—8 pm
Grupo Biblico
9 am Mass/Misa
11am Mass/Misa
6 pm Misa/Mass
en Español
NO Choir
Choir 4:30-6 pm
3 pm Wedding
Rehearsal
4:30 pm
Wedding
Rehearsal
4 pm
Wedding
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
Daily Mass
9:00 am
Misa Diaria
“Wine & Nibbles” are served after the 5 pm Saturday Mass. (thru
mid-September) “Coffee & Pastries” are served after the 9 a.m.
Sunday Mass. We look forward to joining our parishioners and visitors
in fellowship each weekend.
Office
CLOSED for
Golf & Giggle
10:30 am
Wedding
Rehearsal @
Smith Valley
5 p.m. Legacy
Society Event
2 pm
Wedding
4:pm Wedding
Rehearsal
2 pm
Wedding
6 pm Practica
de Coro
6 pm Practica
de Coro
2 pm
Wedding
NO Choir
Holy Day
Assumption
of the
Blessed
Virgin
Mary
10 am
Baptism
9 am Mass/Misa
11am Mass/Misa
6 pm Misa/Mass
en Español
10 am
Baptism
Tuesday, August 7 at 9 a.m. Mary Gallagher By Charleen Knieriem
Wednesday, August 8 at 9 a.m. Mary and Alfred Galindo†† By Susan Galindo
Thursday, August 9 at 9 a.m. Mary Gallagher By Charleen Knieriem
Friday, August 10 at 9 a.m. Troy Wainscoat† By The Crow Family
Saturday, August 11 at 5 p.m. Jay Abdo† By CJ Abdo
Sunday, August 12, 2012
9 a.m. Tony and Sally Bednarczyk By Carol and Helen Frenney
11 a.m. Ruth Gorman† By The Garstangs
6 p.m. Comunidad de San Francisco De Padre Bill
TOGETHER WE PRAY
A Mass intention is a beautiful way to remember a
beloved friend or family member, whether in death, for
healing, in celebration of a special day, or simply for
prayers and guidance. If you would like to request a
special intention, please come by or call the office to
schedule it for any of our weekday/weekend Masses. A
suggested $10 donation is appreciated.
Una intención de misa es una hermosa manera de recordar
a un ser querido amigo o miembro de la familia, ya sea en la
pérdida, y la curación, y la celebración de un día especial, o
simplemente para la oración y orientación. Si desea solicitar
una intención especial, por favor venga o llame a la oficina
para programar en cualquiera de nuestros días de la
semana. Se sugiere una donación de $10 es apreciada.
Pg.4 Pg. 9
NOTE to EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
If you are unavailable to serve during
SEPTEMBER, please contact Pat Crow by
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16th. Thank you!
Thank you to the following who are scheduled for August 11 and 12. Gracias a los siguientes que son planificados para el 11 y 12 de Agosto.
Saturday, August 11, 2012 5 p.m. Mass
Lector/EMB J. Dentz, A. Dentz, D. Cauley
EMW TAB/AMBO: R. Klein / B. Ivani
EMW TAB/AMBO: C. Klein / M. Reimer
Altar Servers Brenna and Lena Soli
Sunday, August 12, 2012
9 a.m. Mass
Lector/EMB A. Brown, D. Clark, D. Boutte
EMW TAB/AMBO: B. Boutte / C. Knieriem
EMW TAB/AMBO: E. Daleke / D. Daleke
Altar Servers Alexis and Tiffany Krolick
11 a.m. Mass
Lectors/EMB T. Mercogliano, C. Mercogliano, M. Iida
EMW TAB/AMBO: B. Murphy / M. Vaughan
EMW TAB/AMBO: B. Murphy / B. Moens
Altar Servers Thomas and Mia Mercogliano
Please pray for the young men & women in our military
Major Greg Ebert Nellis AFB
SPC Michael Landis 101st Airborne Division Fort Campbell, Kentucky
PFC Jamie Bonnenfant 1st Platoon, RN 111 Bravo Company 2/54 INF Ft. Benning, GA
Lt. Nelson Keyser IV USN - F-18 Pilot USS Abraham Lincoln
SSgt. Justin B. Claman B CO. 1/189th GSAB TF Corsair FOB Shank, APO AE 09364
Lt. Col. Michael Drew Travis AFB
If you would like to have a loved one who is in the military included in this list, please
contact the church office.
Good Stewardship: Sharing Our Treasure Your generosity to St. Francis of Assisi is sincerely appreciated.
Weekly Offertory Collection Report for Week Ending 7/29/12
We received $ 4,973 in our 2nd Collection for Mission Appeals
Our Parish Community / Nuestra Comunidad Parroquial
✤ Council Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month in our parish hall.
Our August 13th Meeting times are:
5:00 p.m. Officers Meeting 5:30 p.m. Business Meeting
✤ 4th Degree Assembly Meetings are held
on the third Monday of each month in the parish hall. Our August 20th meeting is at 5:30 p.m. (NO officers’ meeting)
✤ To men of the Parish who are practicing Catholics: If you are interested in learning more about the Knights, call our Council Membership Director, Mike Archer at 831-3951. After Mass, you can also speak to any Knight you see wearing a blue and white name tag.
NOTE to ALTAR SERVERS: Please contact Melissa White at
[email protected] if you are unavailable to serve as scheduled
or if you wish to volunteer to become a server.
SURVEY SAYS...I Am Here
Tell us your thoughts about your parish! We are in the process
of conducting a parish-wide survey, which we hope will help us
shape the future direction of our parish to make us stronger and
better serve your spiritual needs.
Thank you to those who have completed and returned their surveys. If
you have not completed and returned yours, there is still time to do so. Please
complete it this week and return it to the parish office in the return envelope
that was provided or drop it in the offertory basket. Your time, participation,
and honesty are appreciated. Thank you.
LA ENCUESTA DICE...Yo Estoy Aquí
Danos tus opiniones acerca de tu parroquia! Estamos en proceso
realizando una encuesta sobre lo que queremos y lo que no queremos de
nuestra parroquia, esperamos que nos ayudes a mejorar en el futuro para
crecer juntos y dar un mejor servicio a las necesidades espirituales.
Gracias a todos aquellos que han completado y devuelto su cuestionario.
Si no lo has completado y enviado, todavía hay tiempo para hacerlo. Por
favor, cuando lo tengas listo devuélvelo a la oficina de la parroquia o
depositarlo en la canasta de las ofrendas. Gracias por tu tiempo, y
participación tu honestidad es apreciada.
Envelope $ 2,563
Non-Envelope $ 5,315
TOTAL REVENUE $ 7,878
Primary Weekly Collection
Parish Directory For those of you who were not able to schedule a photo session
with LifeTouch Photographers last month, LifeTouch will allow
you to submit a personal photo for a $10 fee. You may e-mail a
photo to Katie Christensen for our inclusion in our new parish
directory. Please include your name and a contact number with
your photo to [email protected].
Deadline for submission is Friday, August 10th
Directorio de la Parroquia
Para aquellas personas que no pudieron programar para que
les tomaran sus fotos el mes pasado. Por favor enviar una foto
personal por correo electrónico a Katie Christensen para
incluirlo en nuestro directorio. La Fotografía de LifeTouch
le promete enviarle una foto por la cantidad de $10.
Por favor, incluya su nombre y un número de contacto
con su foto a katie.tahoe @ gmail.com.
La fecha límite es el Viernes, 10 de Agosto
PLEASE NOTE: The church office will
be closed all day on
Thursday, August 9th
for our 2nd annual
“Golf and Giggle” Fund Raiser Golf Event
—————
TENGA EN CUENTA:
Que la oficina estará
cerrada el Jueves 9 de
Agosto. Todo el día.
Pg. 8 Pg. 5
Religious Education / Educación Religiosa
Spiritual Stewardship...Prayers for the Living
Espiritual Administración...Oraciones para la Vida
Keep in your prayers… Mantengan en oración...
JUNTOS ORAMOS
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Welcomes You!
¡San Francisco de Asís le da la Bienvenida!
Registration / Change Form / Formulario de inscripción
Family Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nombre de Familia
Mailing Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dirección Postal
Physical Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Dirección Física
Phone ___________________________________ Numero Telefónico
E-mail______________________________________________________________ Correo Electrónico
Husband_________________________________ Esposo
Wife_____________________________ Esposa
Children’s Names and Ages ______________________________________________________________________________________ Nombre de Hijos y sus Edades ________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you like envelopes?___________ ¿Quiere Sobres?
Seasonal / Part-Time
Full-Time
Gen Kellerman Riley Loper
Ramona Magallanes Dawn Maggio
Ted Maggio Daryl Martin
Lauren McLaughlin Vilma Merlos
Nancy O’Leary Robert Parrish
Joan & Leon Pujalet Fr. Jim Quinn Chris Reyes Megan Roby
Mary Ann Sabia Steven Schmitz
Jacqueline Slagerman Rick Slavenes
Petti Thall Ellen Tuazon
Renato Tuazon Al Turner
Courtenay Wallpe The West Family
Karen Winn
Violeta Avila Carol Bezanson Chuck Bezanson
Scarlette Bertolina Al Bonnenfant Jack Brosnan
Barbara Brown Esther Cano
Christopher Carrette Ron Carrette
Wil & Betty Clarke Jim Clements
George Conlow Lynne Cox
Bill Eadington Baby Xavier Lucia Flores Jim France
Carol Frenney Sheila Fruhling Emme Garstang Harry Garstang
Maryanne Heyde Charlene Jackson
Don Johnson Marci Johnson
If your prayers for the
individuals listed have
been answered, please
let us know. Your help in
keeping this “Prayers for
the Living” list current is
greatly appreciated.
Don’t wait any longer! Time is running out!
Register your children for our
Religious Education program now.
Classes begin in September.
No esperes más! El tiempo se agota!
Inscriba a sus hijos en nuestro programa
de Educación Religiosa ahora.
Las clases comienzan en Septiembre.
Our program offers:
Classes for grades 1-10
Sacrament preparation classes for
First Reconciliation
First Holy Communion
Confirmation
Nuestro Programa Ofrece:
Las clases son para los grados 1-10
Los sacramentos son
Reconciliación
Primera Comunión
Confirmación
Contact Religious Education Coordinator Jodi Clouthier for details and registration
forms / Comunicarse con la Coordinadora de Educación Religiosa Jodi Clouthier para
obtener más información y formularios de inscripción.
Office / Oficina — (775) 831-0490
E-mail—[email protected]
Pg. 6 Pg. 7
Fr. Bill’ s Article Continued / El artículo del padre Bill continuó
El primer día de sus vacaciones en Tahoe, ella recibió una llamada. Hace tres semanas, mi hermana y su
esposo tomaron la decisión de acortar su estancia, y se fueron inmediatamente a Minnesota para ver a su
amiga de la infancia, Marilyn. Marilyn había sido enviada a casa por sus médicos a pasar sus últimos días
con su marido y sus hijos.
Marilyn lucho cuatro años contra el cáncer de ovario. Este es un mal maligno que invade rápidamente las
células.
El marido de Marilyn y mi hermana, junto con miembros de su familia, han estado a su lado todos los días
durante las últimas tres semanas, también la visitan las enfermeras y los trabajadores del hospicio. Sis dice
que cuando su amiga deje de abrir sus ojos tendrá un sentimiento de resignación. Marilyn ya no puede
hablar. Cada día, la hermanita se sienta al lado de la cama de Marilyn y reza el rosario. Marilyn sin voz
solamente sus labios sincronizan la respuesta ".... Santa María Madre de Dios ...", con una leve sonrisa en
sus labios. Es verdad que los católicos ni en sus últimos momentos se olvidan del "Ave María".
Sis ha experimentado con la ida de su amiga que la muerte llega cuando menos
lo espera uno, no se encuentra en nuestra agenda, ni las oraciones la apresuran
ni la retrasan. Sis dice que no hay que esperar la misa fúnebre para compartir su
gratitud y su amistad, una amistad llena de risas y lágrimas, ya que crecieron
juntas: "Yo siempre he pensado que todo lo bueno que tiene que decir acerca de
una persona, usted debe de hacerlo mientras está viva. "
A pesar de que a sabiendas, se anticipe la espera de la muerte de algunas
personas. Otros se van de nosotros con rapidez y de forma inesperada. Nadie estamos preparados para la
muerte de Aurora. La muerte es fueron como un ladrón en la noche, con un destello luminoso de explosividad
vengativa. Nadie quiere la muerte.
Por el contrario, la familia y los amigos de Marilyn se han estado preparando, con capacidad, a la espera de
su inminente muerte. Sis describe la espera con estas palabras: "Es como el agua pisando, a la espera de que
Cristo venga y traiga a mi mejor amiga la seguridad, a su eterna recompensa que su sufrimiento se acabará."
Es difícil y agotador ayudar a su mejor amigo o ser querido a bien morir. Sis dice que nunca lloro enfrente de
Marilyn, porque su llanto, no permitiría que Marilyn morirá en paz. Sis admite que sus propios sentimientos
de impotencia eran abrumadores, a veces, pero ella estaba decidida a hablar sólo palabras de aliento y rezar
oraciones tranquilizadoras.
Cómo ayudar a un buen amigo o ser querido a morir no es fácil, pero es la gracia dada por Dios para
asegurar por medio de la muerte que va a estar en la presencia eterna de Dios y los que quedan va a estar
bien. Henri Nouwen dice: "Hay un momento en el que tenemos que dar a los que amamos el permiso para
volver a Dios, de quien vinieron. Tenemos que sentirnos tranquilamente con ellos y decir: "No tengas
miedo ... Te amo, Dios te ama ... es el momento para que usted vaya en paz ... para ir con suavidad al amor
de Dios."
News from the Padre/ Noticias de Nuestro Sacerdote
She received the call the first day of her Tahoe vacation. Three weeks ago, my sister and her husband made the
decision to cut short their intended stay, and left immediately for Minnesota to see her lifelong childhood
friend, Marilyn. Marilyn had been sent home by her doctors to die, and Sis needed to be – had to be – with her
and with Marilyn’s husband and their adult children.
It was Marilyn’s fourth year of living a dark and vicious battle with ovarian cancer. It is cellular evil, a
parasitic invader.
Marilyn’s husband and my sister, along with members of her family, have been at her bedside every day for
the past three weeks, visiting nurses and hospice workers. Sis says when her friend does open her eyes it is
with a sense of simple resignation. Marilyn doesn’t speak any more. Every day, Sis sits by the side of
Marilyn’s bed and prays the rosary. Marilyn voicelessly lip-syncs the response, “….Holy Mary Mother of
God…,” with a faint smile on her lips. It is true, dying Catholics never seem to forget the “Hail Mary.”
It has become brutally clear to Sis that death arrives not on our schedule but on its own. It will not be hurried,
nor will our unspoken or spoken prayers delay it. Sis said she isn’t waiting for the funeral Mass to share her
gratitude for their lifelong friendship, a friendship filled with laughter and tears while their families grew up
together: “I’ve always thought that whatever good you have to say about a person, you should do it while they
are living.”
While we knowingly anticipate and wait for some deaths to happen, others come upon us swiftly and
unexpectedly. No one was prepared for the Aurora murders several weeks ago. Their deaths were like a thief in
the night, with a luminous flash of vindictive explosiveness. No one wanted death then.
By contrast, Marilyn’s family and friends have been preparing, accommodating, and waiting for her impending
death. Sis described the waiting in these words: “It is like treading water, waiting for Christ to come and bring
my best friend to safety, to her eternal reward where her suffering will be over.”
It is exhausting helping your best friend or loved one to die. Sis says she never cries in front of Marilyn,
because her emotional sobbing would not allow Marilyn to die in peace. Sis admits that her own feelings of
helplessness are overwhelming at times, but she is determined to speak only encouraging words and to pray
reassuring prayers.
Helping a best friend or loved one to die is not easy, but it is grace given by God to assure the dying that they
will be in God’s eternal presence and that those left behind will be okay. Henri Nouwen says: “There is a
moment in which we need to give those we love the permission to return to
God, from whom they came. We have to sit quietly with them and say:
“Do not be afraid…I love you, God loves you…it is time for you to go in
peace...to go gently and go to God’s love.”