Sr. Dolores - Funeral Mass Introduction: We seem to give them back to you, O God, who gave them to us.

Yet, as you did not lose them in giving, so we do not lose them by their return. Not as the world gives, do you give. What you give, you do not take away, for what is yours is also ours, if we are yours. And life is eternal and love is immortal and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is but the limit of our sight. As we remember and celebrate the memory of Thomas a dear father, beloved husband and friend to many, we remember no more our pain, loss and tears when he left us, but the special gift, strength and joy he had been to all of us. You have consoled and comforted the dear ones and filled our emptiness with the belief in your power that turns our sorrow into hope and new life in you. We make this Penitential rite: -Lord, you who turn our sadness into gladness, Lord -Christ, you who turn our death into resurrection, Christ -Lord, you who turn our darkness into light, Lord Opening Prayer: We praise you, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob and God of Job for the little miracle of resurrection, which reminds us of your love. Naked we came and naked shall we return; it is you who give and it is you who have taken away. Blessed be your name. Even beyond death you call us by our names. And you called Thomas your beloved to be beside you always.

We remember again, O Lord, Thomas in the serene calmness and profound tranquillity with which he conducted himself that was so part of his whole being. We remember him, today 10 years of his passing from us, as that compassionate and sensitive friend who would look at the needs of others before his own. As we recall and celebrate his memory, we pray that we will share in some small measure the simple joy and humble presence he so elegantly carried. We make thisAmen. Intercessions: -That Thomas and all those who have died may experience the fullness of life and love, we pray -That all those in his natural family who will find an irreplaceable vacuum may be comforted, we pray -That all those who had come in contact with Thomas may be inspired by him marvellous example and silent witness of hard work and dedicated life, we pray -That all those who have been wounded by the death of the one they love may be helped to find the new life that comes through death and suffering, we pray -That all those who are dying and are afraid may have the courage and strength to go on their last journey, we pray