Mass for our Deceased Clergy
The Diocese of Parramatta celebrated its second official Mass for our deceased clergy on Friday 17 November 2023 at St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill.
Parishioners, priests, and deacons from around the Diocese joined with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and Vicars General Fr Peter Williams AM and Fr Fernando Montano to pray for our deceased clergy, whose lives were dedicated to faithfully serving the people of God and striving to draw others closer to Christ.
Members of the faithful are seen during the second annual Diocesan Mass for Deceased Clergy at St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
During his homily, Bishop Vincent noted that one of the most cherished traditions of our faith is praying for the deceased. He reminisced how, as a child in Vietnam, he would go to the cemetery almost every day during the month of November, a practice which helps strengthen the sacred bond between the living and the dead.
Referring to the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids, Bishop Vincent likened the oil for the lamps to the spiritual preparedness with which we should live our lives, seeking to read the signs of the times for the manifestation of the Spirit.
“The Gospel speaks about the vigilance with which the faithful should live their lives with their gaze fixed on God, not surprised or distracted by all that goes on,” he said.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, delivers the homily during the second annual Diocesan Mass for Deceased Clergy at St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
He extolled those present to remember that this life is a pilgrimage of faith in preparation for the life to come and concluded by asking them to remember with gratitude the deceased clergy who have served our Diocese, entrusting them to the mercy, compassion and care of God.
The Mass was followed by prayers at the gravesites of the four priests buried in Pinegrove Cemetery – Fr Carl Ashton, Fr Renato Paras, Fr Brian Rooney, and Fr Ferenc Szakony. Attendees were able to view the gravesites and their inscriptions, one of which read, “A humble and good priest.”
Fr Marcus Hazelman, Assistant Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Mt Druitt South, blesses the grave of the late Fr Carl Ashton during the Diocesan commemoration for Deceased Clergy at Pinegrove Cemetery. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Humility was a foremost theme in an address by Pope Francis at a chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, “the birthday of the priesthood”, earlier this year. He thanked priests for the “hidden good” that they do, often in a ministry carried out “with great effort and little recognition.” He urged the clergy not to look for fulfillment in one’s own abilities, promotions, or position, but to discover that “the spiritual life becomes liberating and joyful, once we are no longer concerned to save appearances and make quick fixes, but leave the initiative to the Holy Spirit, and, in openness to his plans, show our willingness to serve wherever and however we are asked.”
As the Head of Clergy Health and Wellbeing for the Diocese, I was delighted to continue the practice of organising this Mass to remember and pray for our deceased clergy, and encouraged each parish to arrange a Mass for the deceased clergy who served their local communities. These men dedicated their lives to drawing others closer to God, and each parish should take it upon themselves to remember their contribution to the life of the local church. As Catholics and as parishioners, this is our opportunity to show our gratitude and care for those who have cared for us.
It is worth mentioning here the importance of not waiting for death before we pray for our clergy! Within our Diocese, we are blessed with many priests and deacons that willingly strive to bring people closer to God. Please continue to keep all our clergy in your prayers, just as they keep you in theirs.
If you would like to make a donation to the Clergy Support Foundation, who look after our retired clergy and those that are unwell, please click here.
View images from the second commemoration of the Mass for Deceased Clergy here or below:
