Poems

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.

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.

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 . . .

Broken Chain

Little knew that morning

That 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 peaceful 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,

The chain will link again.

Crossing The Bar 

Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for 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 cross’d the bar.

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's gift of snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain 

I am the autumn's gentle 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

Don't Think of Her/Him As Gone

Don't think of her as gone away- her journey's just begun, 

Life holds so many facets this earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. 

Think how she must be wishing 

That we could know today

How nothing but our sadness can really pass away.

And think of her as living 

In the hearts of those she touched... 

For nothing loved is ever lost

And she was loved so much.

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me." 

The LORD replied: "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see 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's Garden

God looked around His Garden and saw an empty place.

He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.

God's garden must be beautiful.

He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain.

He knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough and the hills hard to climb

so He closed your weary eyelids and whispered Peace Be Thine.

It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone,

for a part of us went with you the day God called you home.

God Hath Not Promised

God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through.

God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the laborer, light on the way, Grace for the 

trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,—and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of—wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager 

craft through footless halls of air ....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue

I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace

Where never lark nor ever eagle flew—And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high 

untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path God has laid you see 

I took his hand when I heard his call

I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, to play 

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found the peace at the close of the day If parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joys 

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, O yes, these things, I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow 

My life’s been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch 

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief 

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your hearts and peace to thee God wanted me now, He has set me free.

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.

Miss Me, But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,

Why cry for a soul set free!

Miss me a little – but not for long And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me, but let me go.

For this journey that we all must take And each must go alone;

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me, but let me go.

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.

Perhaps

Perhaps you sent a lovely card Or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you sell 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.

Remembered Joy

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free! I follow the plan God laid for me.

I saw His face, I heard His call, I took His hand and left it all... I could not stay another day,

To love, to laugh, to work or play; Tasks left undone must stay that way.

And 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, shall miss. My life’s been 

full, I’ve savoured much:

Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief-Don’t shorten yours with undue grief. Be not burdened with 

tears of sorrow, Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow

Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty in this 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.

Did you wonder why I so calmly

Trod the valley of the shade? Oh! But Jesus’ love illuminated Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread;

And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so 

sorely, For I love you dearly still;

Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray to trust our Father’s will.

There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand;

Do it now, while life remaineth- you shall not rest in Jesus’s 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!

Strength in Friendship

There is strength in friendship that helps us

overcome life’s most difficult times I know firsthand of your strength,

You have shared it so often with me…

I know firsthand of your courage,

You have shared it so gallantly with me...

I know firsthand of your light,

You have shed it so freely in darkness...

I know firsthand of your wisdom,

You have shared it so easily with me...

I know firsthand of your pain,

And I share it so deeply with you.

Your strength, your courage, your light, and your wisdom will see you through...

and so shall I.

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.

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 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 a while!

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.

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.

Treasure for the King The wise may bring their learning, The rich may bring their wealth,

And some may bring their greatness, And some bring strength and health; We, too, would bring our 

treasures To offer to the King;

We have no wealth or learning: What shall we children bring?

We'll bring Him hearts that love Him; We'll bring Him thankful praise, And young souls meekly striving

To walk in holy ways;

And these shall be the treasures We offer to the King,

And these are gifts that even The poorest child may bring.

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.

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.

Welcome Home

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 travelled 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’.

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 the 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'm Gone

When I come to the end of my journey An I travel my last wary mile,

Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken; Remember some good I have done, Forget that I ever had heartache

And remember I've had loads of fun.

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered And sometimes fell by the way.

Remember I have fought some hard battles And won, ere the close of the day, Then forget to grieve for my going,

I would not have you sad for a day But in summer just gather some flowers And remember the place where I lay,

And come in the evening when the sun paints the sky in the west 

Stand for a few moments beside me and remember only my best.

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.

Prayers

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 life lasting.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Irish Blessing

May the road rise with you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And rains fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

may God keep you in the hollow of His hand.

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.

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 mother to your mercy.

You loved her greatly in this life:

now that she is freed from all its cares,

give her happiness and peace forever.

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 forever.

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.

Magnificat

My soul magnifies the Lord,

And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

For he has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,

For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And his mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm:

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exhaulted those of low degree.

He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He has sent empty away.

He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.

Marine's Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will.

Keep me true to my best self: guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear.

Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm.

Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me.

Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

lf l am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if l am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen.

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, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.

To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

O Gentlest Heart of Jesus (Prayer for Souls in Purgatory)

O gentlest heart of Jesus,

Ever present in the Blessed Sacrament,

ever consumed with burning love

for the poor captive souls in Purgatory,

have mercy on the soul of Thy departed servant.

Be not severe in Thy judgment,

but let some drops of Thy precious Blood

fall upon the devouring flames

and do Thou, O Merciful Savior,

send Thy angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a place of refreshment, light and peace.

May the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch

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 loves! mankind. In the place of Thy rest,0 lord, where all thy Saints repose, give rest also to the soul of Thy servant for Thou only loves! 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.

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 Faithful Departed

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of their sins, that, through pious supplications,

they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

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.

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.

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

Amen.

Serenity Prayer

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.

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. 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.

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.

St. John Henry 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.

St. John Neumann

O St. John Neumann, your ardent desire of bringing 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 all children of the one Heavenly Father and brothers of Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the family of God.

Obtain for us that complete dedication in the service of the needy, the weak, the afflicted, and the abandoned which so characterized your life. Help us to walk perseveringly in the difficult and at times painful paths of duty, strengthened by the Body and Blood of our Redeemer and under the watchful protection of Mary our Mother. May death still find us on the sure road to our Father’s house, with the light of living faith in our hearts.

St. Jude

Most Holy Apostle, St Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus.

The Church honors and invokes you universally, as the Patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of.

Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of.

Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever.

I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be forever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.

Amen.

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 (Apostle of Ireland)

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 fervent 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 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 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 St. 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. Stephen

O Saint Stephen, first of the martyrs, who was filled with fortitude, grace, and love, whose guiltless face shone like the lace of a pure angel, I beseech thee, by the grace which rendered them worthy to see heaven opened and Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father, that thou wouldst, by thy prayers, procure for me from God a pure conscience, and a holy, meek love, that like thee I may readily forgive those who injure me; may pray for them; may not only desire for them whatever is good, but may do them good indeed, and thereby merit the grace of a happy death. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

St. Therese

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 Savior, petition these Blessings of which I stand in greatest need.  Shower upon me your promised Roses of Virtue and Grace, dear Saint Therese, so that swiftly advancing in sanctity and to perfect love of neighbor, I may someday receive the Crown of Life Eternal. Amen

Taps

Day is done, gone the sun,

From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,

And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.

From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,

'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky; As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,

Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds

Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,

And the stars gleaming rays softly send,

To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

The Lord's Praver

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.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever.

Amen.

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.

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.

When My Soul Takes Flight

Lord, when my soul takes flight, May it rise swiftly to live forever In your love and care. Lord make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

Verses

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 for evermore.

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 me 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.

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.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you.

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will sustain you through my power.

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.

I Cor. 13:4-7 (Love Verse)

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.

Psalm 139:9-12

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle by the farthest sea,

even there Your hand will guide me;

Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me,

and the light become night around me”—

even the darkness is not dark to You,

but the night shines like the day,

for darkness is as light to You.

Romans 14:7-8

For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord:

whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.

Spanish

Afterglow - Spanish

Después de el Resplandor

Me gustaria que los recuerdos de mi, sean felices

Me gustaria dejar un resplandor de sonrisas cuando mi vida se acabe.

Me gustaria dejar un eco que susurre suavemente a través del camino.

De tiempos felices, alegres y dias brillantes, y soleados.

Me gustaria que las lagrimas de aquellos que me lloren se sequen con el sol.

De recuerdos felices que dejo cuando mi vida se acabe.

Ave Maria - Spanish

Dios te salve, María.

Llena eres de gracia,

El Señor es contigo.

Bendita tú eres entre

todas las mujeres

Y bendito es el fruto

de tu vientre: Jesús.

Santa María, Madre de Dios,

Ruega por nosotros pecadores,

Ahora y en la hora

de nuestra muerte.

Amen.

Special

Afterglow (Multiple Deaths)

We'd like the memory of us to be a happy one,

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

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

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

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

Of happy memories that we leave When life is done.

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 of theirs, 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.

Little Angels

When God calls little children

to dwell with Him above,

We mortals sometime question

the wisdom of His love.

For no heartache compares

with the death of one small child

Who does so much

to make our world

seem wonderful and mild.

Perhaps God tires of calling

the aged to His fold,

So He picks a rosebud

before it can grow old.

God knows how much we need them,

and so He takes but few,

To make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view.

Believing this is difficult

still somehow we must try

The saddest work mankind knows

will always be "Goodbye”.

So when a little child departs,

we who are left behind,

Must realize God loves children,

Angels are hard to find.