What She Would Have Wanted: A Requiem for Mimi

By
Jimmy Grzelak

jwg2@williams.edu
 REQUIEM
This is Holy Family Faith Community (i.e. a
Catholic church with a relatively liberal bent) -
the decoration should not recall a traditional
Catholic church. Think conference room with
kitschy Catholic attempts at modern design; it was
decorated in the late 80’s. It does, however, meet
at least the bare minimum general norms of the
design of a Catholic sanctuary - altar up front,
tabernacle on an altar behind that, lectern, etc.
The altar should be table-like, and not up against
the wall. In other words, the priest should
celebrate mass towards the people. Alternatively
(with a bigger budget), it can be an older church
that was renovated in the late 80’s, with kitschy
Catholic attempts at modern design. There’s a
small table in front of the altar to hold Mimi’s
cremated remains. She’ll be processed in later,
but - for table size selection informational
purposes -- she’s in an urn or similar container
(nothing too classy, but not a Tupperware dish
either).
Prelude
A number of options are available for pre-show
musical entertainment. They are listed in order of
ambition: (1) A recording of inspirational
non-vocal elevator music - think a pan-pipe
rendition of “Candle in The Wind,” “You Raise Me
Up,” or “My Heart Will Go On.” (2) The organist
plays similar songs (Note: the organ can, and
probably should be, an electric keyboard - another
note on the organist’s style: He’s not very good -
think melody right hand, chords left hand). (3)
The cantor or Uncle/Aunt Louis(e) sings karaoke
versions of similar songs. (4) The cantor or
Uncle/Aunt Louis(e) sing similar songs with the
organist (the organist can just play, or
harmonize). (5) All of the above.
Programs should be available for the audience with
the order of the mass (including appropriate
responses, and music). The program - made by
DeCosmo Funeral Homes, Inc. - should be explicit
that the congregation should participate fully in
the mass, and should receive communion, as it’s
“what the family requests and what Miriam would
have wanted.”

Mr. DeCosmo, the funeral director (perhaps the

stage manager) approaches the lectern.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.

MR. DECOSMO
Thanks for joining DeCosmo Funerals, and the Auerbacher
family, for the celebration of the life of Mimi
Auerbacher, and welcome to Holy Family Faith Community
the celebration of the Rite of Christian Funeral of
Mimi. We ask you to respectfully observe and celebrate
this ceremony - no cell phones or flash photographs,
please. The family also asks that you participate fully
in this celebration of her life - designed with Mimi’s
tastes in mind. So - welcome Father Steve for the
celebration of the Christian Funeral. Thank you.
(beat -- should the audience clap
following that)
Please observe a respectful silence during the service,
except when you shouldn’t, as outlined in your program
guide.
Introductory Rites
Father Steve comes through door with procession
(order: one lector with cross, one lector with
lectionary, cantor, altar server carrying Mimi’s
remains-container (we’ll call it an urn from here
on out), Fr. Steve) - this can be at the front or
the back of the church. They enter the room just
enough so that he and the altar server are inside
the room. Fr. Steve can wear purple or white, but
not black robes.
FR. STEVE
The grace and peace of God our Father, who raised Jesus
from the dead, be always with you.

PROCESSION
(awkwardly turning around in place to
respond)
And also with you.

FR. STEVE
(sprinkling the urn with holy water)
In the waters of baptism, Miriam died with Christ and
rose with him to new life. May she now share with him
in eternal glory.

The cantor awkwardly shuffles over to the lectern.

S/he should be either mildly underdressed (because
this is just a week-day mass) or ostentatiously
dressed, a bright robe or something (because
s/he’s really into this). S/he should sing as if
s/he is really into this - how this is manifested
is open to interpretation - it should only be
church-y sounding if it is church-y sounding in an
affected way.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.

CANTOR
Please stand and join me in singing, "Let There Be
Peace on Earth," found in your service guide.
The organ plays a brief, clumsy introduction. If
the congregation does not join in the singing, the
cantor should stop the organist, and politely
re-announce where you can find the song ( using
her own program as a prop). They begin with the
introduction again. Repeat until congregation
participates satisfactorily.

Song begins. The procession processes - if they’ve

entered at the same side as the altar, they should
loop around, taking the side aisle to the back,
and then taking the center aisle to the front.
They genuflect/bow/maybe-even-do-nothing and take
their places. Urn placed on table; cross is placed
on stand near altar; lectionary on the lectern;
priest in front of throne-y-type-chair; altar
server takes seat behind altar. Lectors sit with
the congregation.

After two-to-three verses, the cantor stops, and

the organ plays a conclusion - this should start
with the same chord-melody structure as the rest
of the playing. He should play the equivalent of
“Let there be peace on earth/ And let it begin
with me/ Let there be peace on earth/ The peace
that was meant to be/ With God as...” Then, he
should segue into the Brady Bunch theme song, “The
youngest one in curls./ The Brady Bunch (echo)/
The Brady Bunch (echo)/ That’s the way we became
the Brady Bunch.” The end chords should be as
grand as possible - a swell in volume, and a
retard in tempo; preferably, timed with the priest
mounting the altar. Cantor takes seat near altar.
Fr. Steve kisses the altar and goes to his chair.

FR. STEVE
(making the sign of the cross; the
congregation should join him -- from
here on out, the cast should model
various levels of enthusiasm in
congregational response)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit.
ALL
Amen.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.

FR. STEVE
(extending his hands)
The Lord be with you.
ALL
And also with you.
FR. STEVE
As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s
love, let’s acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord
for pardon and strength.

Beat -- a moment-of-silence-indicating head bow.

These beats should not actually be long enough for
substantive thought.
ALL
(including Fr. Steve)
I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and
sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault
(everyone should strike his or her own
chest)
in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done,
and what I have failed to do; and in what I have done,
and what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary,
ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my
brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our
God.

FR. STEVE
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.

ALL
Amen.
FR. STEVE
Lord, have mercy.

ALL
Lord, have mercy.
FR. STEVE
Christ, have mercy.

ALL
Christ, have mercy.
FR. STEVE
Lord, have mercy.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.

ALL
Lord, have mercy.
ALL
(including Fr. Steve)
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on
earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and
Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise
you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God,
Lamb of God, Star-Child; you take away the sins of the
world, have mercy on us; you are seated at the right
hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the
Holy Spirit, in the glory of God, our Father. Amen.

FR. STEVE
Let us pray.
(bows his head briefly, moment of
silence beat -- altar boy holds text
from which he reads)
Thanks. O God, to who mercy and forgiveness belong,
hear our prayers on behalf of your Miriam, who you
called out of the world [there should be an “and”
here; he skips it] because she put her hope and trust
in you, command that she be carried safely home to
heaven and come to enjoy your eternal rewards.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever.
ALL
Amen.
Fr. Steve sits. Everyone sits.
Liturgy of the Word
OLD TESTAMENT LECTOR
(goes to lectern from seat, giving the
tabernacle a very deep bow en route --
once at lectern, he takes his own piece
of paper out of his pocket)
From the book of Wisdom.

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,

and there shall no torment touch them.
In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and
their departure is taken for misery,
And their going from us to be utter destruction: but
they are in peace.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.

OLD TESTAMENT LECTOR (cont’d)

For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is
their hope full of immortality.
And having been a little chastised, they shall be
greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them
worthy for himself.
As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received
them as a burnt offering.
(a gesture of some sort towards the
remains)
And in the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble.
They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over
the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.
They that put their trust in him shall understand the
truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with
him: for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he hath
care for his elect.
(Source: KJV Wisdom 3:1-6,9)
This is the Word of the Lord.
ALL
Thanks be to God.
OT Lector returns to seat. Cantor goes to lectern.
Organ chord.

CANTOR
(singing, with logical accompaniment --
this melody, however, should be
uncomfortably zippy; just short of car
commercial jingle)
Out of the depths, I cry to you, Lord.

Cantor extends his/her arms to congregation

CANTOR AND ALL
Out of the depths, I cry to you, Lord.

Organ chord. Cantor begins to improvise something

vaguely chant-like with this text; the organist
attempts to follow; at some point, they can
switch, and the organist can begin switching
chords, and the cantor can catch up. Sung:

CANTOR
Out of the depths, I cry to you, O Lord
Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.

CANTOR AND ALL

Out of the depths, I cry to you, Lord.
CANTOR
If you, O Lord, mark enquiries,
Lord, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness,
That you may be reverséd.
CANTOR AND ALL
Out of the depths, I cry to you, Lord.

CANTOR AND ALL (cont’d)

I trust in the Lord;
My soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than sentinels wait for the dawn.

Organ abruptly stops with end of psalm.

NEW TESTAMENT LECTOR
(comes to lectern, does not do anything
to acknowledge the tabernacle -- also
takes out his own piece of paper)
A reading from Revelations.
I saw a Great White Throne and the One Enthroned.
Nothing could stand before or against the Presence,
nothing in Heaven, nothing on earth. And then I saw all
the dead, great and small, standing there--before the
Throne! And books were opened. Then another book was
opened: the Book of Life. The dead were judged by what
was written in the books, by the way they had lived.
Sea released its dead, Death and Hell turned in their
dead. Each man and woman was judged by the way he or
she had lived. Then Death and Hell were hurled into
Lake Fire. This is the second death--Lake Fire. Anyone
whose name was not found inscribed in the Book of Life
was hurled into Lake Fire.
(Source: The Message, Revelation 20)
(Not so much reading any more)
And so, then, Lord God, there was a new heaven, and a
new earth, and no more water. They all dehydrated in
the way of Jesus, God, and so it was that he ordered it
to be. That all would be peaceful and waterless in
life, and in death, everlasting --

Amen.
This is the Word of the Lord.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 8.

ALL
Thanks be to God.
Organ chord. The alleluia sequence is sung with
congregational response like the psalm -- this
melody should be swoopy and melancholic.

CANTOR
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
During this song, Fr. Steve rises and bows to the
altar; he should say inaudibly (though he can
break the sotto voce rule), "Almighty God, cleanse
my heart and my lips that I may worthily proclaim
your gospel."
CANTOR AND ALL
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
CANTOR
(chanting over organ)
God loves the world so much, he gave us his only Son.
Jesus is my friend!
CANTOR AND ALL
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Abrupt organ stop. Cantor leaves lectern; Fr.
Steve approaches it.
FR. STEVE
The Lord be with you.
ALL
And also with you.
FR. STEVE
(reading out of the lectionary)
A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.
(making the sign of the cross on the
book, and then on his forehead, lips and
chest.)
ALL
Glory to you, Lord.

FR. STEVE
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.

FR. STEVE (cont’d)

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for
righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of
righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely
because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord.

ALL
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
FR. STEVE
(inaudibly, while kissing the
lectionary)
May the words of the Gospel wipe away our sins.
(He leaves the lectern and ambles about
in the front of the church for the
homily -- this homily should probably
not move as fast as it seems it should)
Okay - step one. I have to say that you all have such a
beautiful family - so strong, and varied. You’d have
thunk they named the church after you all! But it was
not you - this is Holy Family Faith Community, not
Mimi’s Beautiful Family and Friends Church.

Okay - so, step two. And then, I’m going to ask myself,
what would Jesus do? So -- I want to say that I love
you. Because that’s what’s really important - love.
But, really, I’m here to do this.
(He takes a paper out of his pocket.)
The funeral, I’m here to do that. But, I wanted to
share something with you.
So, I think what the gospel today is trying to say - is
that it really reminds me of Miriam. I think it’s just
like this paper here where I wrote my favorite poem
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.

FR. STEVE (cont’d)

which is just like the one I just read, in my humble,
humble opinion.
So
(opening up paper, peeking at it, and
then reciting)
here goes:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I couldn’t take them both,
I stood a solitary traveler,
With a big choice to make,
To where it spent in the undergrowth.
So, I pick the one that is the more fair,
Having perhaps the better claim,
Because it’s grassy and I go there.
I’m going to stop right there - that’s what it’s all
about. I think that’s what Mimi was really all about.
Mimi actually reminds me of a friend of mine from way
back in primary school.

Now, my primary school friend was pretty good - Mimi

was probably a bit better, seeing her interest in the
arts;
(He is hastily and transparently
attempting to personalize this sermon)
I enjoyed the collection of her fertility figurines you
guys all put on display over at the funeral home, and
her passion for sports - especially volleyball, and her
hard work in the telecommunications field.

But, for all intents and purposes, this friend was a

lot like Mimi.
But there was one vital difference - he was Crayola!
Now - he wasn’t a crayon, though, he was one of those
drawable crayon-candles. They probably don’t make them
anymore, with all the kerfluffle from the factory
censors about lead and political correctness. But, here
is my point:
So, I kept this crayon-candle in my room, all the time.
And I was so afraid of the dark. I used to lie in bed
at night, and watch the shadow come through the window
when the neighbors did anything in their yard - my mom
made me go to bed pretty early - as I’m sure Mimi did
for her kids. Where are the kids, anyway? You had a
great mother. Don’t be shy, just raise your hand - God
won’t smite today.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.

(There are no kids.)

Had you nervous there for a bit, didn’t I? I always
pull that one. Because that’s my point, see - you’re
all her children, just like God’s children.

And she was just like this candle-crayon. Because one

day, my mother said - well -- I said something first. I
left out the part where I wet my bed because I was so
scared. Still a little embarrassed about it. But,
aren’t we all? What would Jesus do? WWJD.

So, just like in the gospel today, my mother came into

the room - I was warmer than a boy should be in his
sheets, and she looked at me and said, “I’ve got the
right tools for you, Stevie! Oh boy, do I have the
right tools, for you!”

Now, as you can imagine, I got nervous, because this

was back when parents used corporal punishment, even on
T.V. Mimi, I know, was a better mother than that. Am I
right?
Which is the point, she’s not like my mother, she’s
like the crayon candle. Gotta keep up with me here,
folks. It’s what Mimi would’ve wanted.
So, my mother - God bless her soul - comes back into
the room with these magic rubber sheets and, then, she
takes out the crayon candle. I’d been saving it, but
she - and this still addles me - drew a big circle
right around my bed with the crayon, right on her wood
floors, which she scrubbed so nice.
And then lit the candle part and put it inside, and
said, “No peeing in this circle, Stevie, or you stay in
this circle! Pee like a dog, live like a dog.”
And that was powerful. Because it was a choice. And I
think that’s exactly where Miriam was on her life-faith
journey - the road from the beginning to the end, you
know?
Now, before you say, “Father Steve, you’re being so
mean about all this.”
Let me say - and I affirm her life here - Mimi was like
a candle-crayon. Because - she had all this talent,
that figurine collection, all hidden in her house. A
great woman of God. You knew her. And, she was in the
drawer, and now she’s lit!
She is this little light of mine. Get it? It’s like,
you have to make a choice, and then - boom! You’re in
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.

FR. STEVE (cont’d)

the great beyond. And you just made the choice to be a
saint, and God says there in the beatitudes
(can be pronounced beat-i-tudes, rather
than be-AT-i-tudes)
then it’s just done.
And she knew how to do it! I remember one time, she and
her Harley-club friends, came in. There was a flock of
righteousness - great, strong women, strong, strong,
strong.

So, today, let’s honor and celebrate here, sing some of

her favorite songs, and offer up a hosanna, so that
road can be as comfortable as she made our lives. She
gave us so much - She gave God so much. And now we’ve
got to do a lot of giving to catch up to the two of
them. And I know that’s what you want to do, because
you asked for it, so let’s getter-done. Pray hard, pray
often.
They were always working together like that, God and
Meems - everybody give me a smile. She’s in a someplace
better - am I right, or am I right?
Fr. Steve returns to his place in front of his
chair. He claps his hands, then clasps them
together. All stand.
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker
of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of
God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God,
Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not
made, one in Being with the Father. Through him all
things were made. For us men and our salvation, he came
down from heaven:
(all bow, and stay bowing)
By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the
Virgin Mary, and became man.
(end of bow)
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he
suffered, died and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of
the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven, and is seated
at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory, to judge the living and

the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of
life: who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and
glorified:
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.

FR. STEVE (cont’d)

He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic
Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life
of the world to come. Amen.
OT AND NT Lectors take the lectern together; they
approach the altar with the same attitudes they
had before -- they alternate speaking
sentence-by-sentence.
FR. STEVE
Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen from the
dead and sits at the right hand of the Father, where he
intercedes for his church. Confident [emphasis] of
those who trust in the Lord Jesus, we join our prayers
to his.
Lectors read from a paper already on the lectern
-- not a whole lot of comprehension going on.
These were intentions submitted by family members.
There is also the option of soliciting prayer
requests from the audience before the service.
OT LECTOR
After we say "We pray to the Lord," you say, "Lord,
hear our prayer" to send the prayers of the faithful.

NT LECTOR
So, we pray to the Lord.
(repeat until congregation responds
satisfactorally)

ALL
Lord, hear our prayer.
OT LECTOR
Our sister, Miriam, shared in the priesthood of Jesus
Christ, working as a coach for the indigents of the
urban educational system - give her reward for this
work in the Lord’s vineyard; we pray to the Lord.
ALL
Lord, hear our prayer.

NT LECTOR
For support of her enthusiastic support of first and
second amendment rights; may what she wanted double and
triple, we pray to the Lord.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.

ALL
Lord, hear our prayer.
OT LECTOR
For the family, gatherered here, that they might find
the happiness of a communal life in the wake of such a
cross-over, we pray to the Lord.
ALL
Lord, hear our prayer.

NT LECTOR
For the revitalization of the downtown area which she
held so dear, we pray to the Lord.
ALL
Lord, hear our prayer.

OT LECTOR
That the family can find solace in God, and also world
peace, we pray to the Lord.
ALL
Lord, hear our prayer.
NT LECTOR
For everyone in our parish book of remembrance, that
those who have already gained a perfect union with
Christ, our Lord, will welcome her with open arms and
blaring trumpets, we pray to the Lord.
ALL
Lord, hear our prayer.
OT LECTOR
For these intentions, and for those of all this family,
we pray to the Lord.
ALL
Lord, hear our prayer.

Lectors take their seats; cantor returns to the

lectern.
CANTOR
Please join me in singing the offertory hymn in your
service guide, "Star-Child."
The organist accompanies - no stopping during this
song. Some cast members should sing along
emphatically. A collection basket should be passed
around - instigated and moved along by Mr.
DeCosmo. He also makes sure that two people bring

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.

up the bread and the wine for the offering. This

bread can be leavened.
CANTOR AND ALL
Star-Child, earth-Child, go-between of God,
love Child, Christ Child, heaven’s lightning rod.
This year, this year, let the day arrive,
when Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
Street-child, beat-child, no place left to go,
hurt child, used child, no one wants to know.
This year, this year, let the day arrive,
when Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
Grown child, old child, mem’ry full of years,
sad child, lost child, story told in tears.
This year, this year, let the day arrive,
when Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
Spared child, spoiled child, having, wanting more,
wise child, faith child, knowing joy in store.
This year, this year, let the day arrive,
when Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
Hope-for-peace Child, God’s stupendous sign,
down-to-earth Child, star of stars that shine.
Hope-for-peace Child, God’s stupendous sign,
down-to-earth Child, star of stars that shine.
This year, this year, let the day arrive,
when Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
Liturgy of the Eucharist
[During this previous song, the priest at the
altar does this section in the brackets, inaudibly
(though, again, there is the option of him doing
these parts -- specified by the church as
inaudible -- audibly.
He takes the paten (note: liturgical implements
should not be classy and should not be gold) with
the bread, and holds both slightly raised above
the altar.)
FR. STEVE
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through
your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth
has given and human hands have made. It will become for
us the bread of life.
(He then places the paten with the bread
on the corporal. He pours wine and a
little water into the chalice.)

(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.

FR. STEVE (cont’d)

By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to
share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to
share in our humanity.
(He places the chalice on the corporal
and bows)
Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with
the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite
hearts.
(He stands at the side of the altar, and
washes his hands)
Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin.
]
FR. STEVE
(Now audible and standing at the center
of the altar, facing the people -- he
extends and then clasps his hands)
Pray, family, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to
God, the almighty Father.
ALL
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the
praise and glory of his name, for our good, and for the
good of all his Church.
FR. STEVE
(hands extended over gifts)
Lord, receive the gifts we offer for the salvation of
Miriam Auerbacher, for the remission of her sins, and
the lightning of her purging. May Christ be merciful in
judging our sister for she believed in Christ as her
Lord and Savior. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

ALL
Amen.
FR. STEVE
(arms extended until otherwise stated)
The Lord be with you.
ALL
And also with you.
FR. STEVE
Lift up your hearts.
ALL
We lift them up to the Lord.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.

FR. STEVE
Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.

ALL
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
FR. STEVE
The Lord be with you.

ALL
And also with you.
FR. STEVE
Lift up your hearts.

ALL
We lift them up to the Lord.
FR. STEVE
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

ALL
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
FR. STEVE
(can be awkwardly chanted)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well
always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
(spoken)
Death is the just reward for our sins, yet, when at
last we die, your living kindness calls us back to life
in company with Christ, whose victory is our
redemption.
Our hearts are joyful for we have seen your salvation,
and now with the angels and saints we praise you
forever:

ALL
(sung -- sung, with organ and cantor -
should be a typical “Sanctus” tune; no
particular angle on this one, other than
picking one that someone in the
congregation might sing at their own
church if they attend mass. The other
songs of this sort might be better off
if they are composed for the production.
This one, not so much.)
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.

Some of the cast kneels. Fr. Steve stretches out

his arms.
Father, you are holy indeed, and all creation rightly
gives you praise. All life, all holiness comes from you
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, by the working
of the Holy Spirit. From age to age you gather a people
to yourself, so that from east to west a perfect
offering may be made to the glory of your name.

We thank you for all that is beautiful in the world and

for the happiness you have given us. We praise you for
daylight and for your word which lights up our minds.
We praise you for the earth, and all the people who
live on it, and for our life which comes from you.
We know that you are good. You love us and do great
things for us.
Father, you are always thinking about your people; you
never forget us. You sent your Son Jesus, who gave his
life for us and who came to save us. He cured sick
people; he cared for those who were poor and wept with
those who were sad. He forgave sinners and taught us to
forgive each other. He loved everyone and showed us how
to be kind. He took children in his arms and blessed
them.
(He clasps and unclasps his hands,
holden them over the bread and wine.)
And so, Father, we bring you these gifts. We ask you to
make them holy by the power of your Spirit, that they
may become the body
(clasp-unclasp, and makes the sign of
the cross over the bread and wine at
once)
and blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose
command, we celebrate this eucharist.
(He joins his hands together.)
On the night he was betrayed, the day before he
suffered, the night before he died. When he was at
supper with his disciples, he took bread
(He raises the bread a little above the
altar)
and gve you thanks and praise. He broke the bread, gave
it to his disciples and said:
(He bows slightly)
Take this, everybody, and eat: this is the body which
will be given up for all.
(He shows the bread to all the people,
places it on the paten, and bows.)
When supper was ended, Jesus took the cup that was
filled with wine.
(He raises the chalice a little above
the altar)
Again, he said thanks and praise, gave the cup to his
friends and said:

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 19.

(He bows slightly)

Take this, everybody, and drink it:
this is the cup, and that is the blood of the new and
everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for
all so that you know sins may be forgiven. Do this in
memory of me.
(He shows the chalice to the
congregation, places it on the corporal,
and bows again. He chants-ish:)
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.
ALL (cont’d)
(sung, with organ -- a jazzy number
which can be repeated in a loop until
congregational participation is
satisfactory)
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come
again.
FR. STEVE
(arms extended)
Father, because you love us, you invite us to come to
your table. Fill us with the joy of the Holy Spirit as
we receive the body and blood of your Son.
Lord, you never forget any of your children. We ask you
to take care of those we love, especially Mimi Auerbach
and her children, and we pray for those who have died.
Remember everyone who is suffering from pain or sorrow.
Remember Christians everywhere and all other people in
the world.
We are filled with wonder and praise when we see what
you do for us through Jesus your Son, and so we say:
Remember Miriam Auerbach.
In baptism she died with Christ: may she also share in
his insurrection, when Christ will raise our mortal
bodies and make them like his own in glory.
Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and
sisters, and all who have left this world in your
friendship. There we hope to share in your glory where
every tear will be wiped away. On that day we shall see
you, our God, as you are.
(He joins his hands.)
We shall become like you and praise you forever through
Christ our Lord, from whom all good things come.
(He takes the chalice and the bread, and
raises them up, chanting(ish):)
Through him, with him, and in him, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty
Father, for ever and ever.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 20.

ALL
(sung)
Amen.
Communion Rite

FR. STEVE
Let us pray with [emphasis] confidence in the words our
Savior gave us.
All stand. Fr. Steve can gesture to bring this
about.
ALL
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.

FR. STEVE
(said as quickly as possible, arms
extended)
Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace
in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and
protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
ALL
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and forever.

FR. STEVE
(arms extended)
Jesus, you said to your apostles, peace.
(maybe he flahses a peace sign before
clasping his hands)
Do not look at our sins, but upon the beauty of this
church.
ALL
Amen.

FR. STEVE
Peace with you always.
ALL
And also with you.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 21.

FR. STEVE
Give each other signs of peace.
Everyone mingles and glad-hands -- especially Fr.
Steve -- except for Old Testament Lector, who
sulks. Organ chord -- everyone returns to their
places. Fr. Steve begins breaking the bread, while
the song below happens, he inaudibly says, "May
this mingling of the body and blood of our Lord
Jesus Christ give eternal life to us who receive
it."

ALL
(Sung with organ; this one is
sentimental, saccharine)
Lamb of God, you take away, the sins of the world; have
mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away, the sins of
the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take
away, the sins of the world; grant us peace.
FR. STEVE
(to himself)
Lord Jesus Christ, with faith in your love and mercy I
eat your body and drink your blood. Let it not bring me
condemnation, but health in mind and body.
(He bows, then raises the bread. Some of
the cast kneels -- he says aloud)
This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the
world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.

FR. STEVE AND ALL

Lord, I am not worthy to receive but only say the word,
and I shall be healed.
Fr. Steve consumes the bread, and says to himself,
“May the body of Christ bring me to everlasting
life.” He consumes the wine and says to himself,
“May the blood of Christ bring me to everlasting
life.” He then takes the bread, and goes in front
of the aisle. If no one comes at all, he should
get antsy and wave over/coerce people into taking
it - New Testament lector should take it first so
everyone understands what to do/the path
throughout the space.
Mr. DeCosmo can tell people who don’t get up to
get communion to get it, as “it’s what she
would’ve wanted.”
The altar boy can be more or less helpful during
this.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 22.

FR. STEVE
(to each congegant, individually)
The body of Christ.
Regardless of what the other person does, Fr.
Steve gives them a piece of bread, maybe in the
hand, maybe in the mouth.
A moment of silence as the priest cleans the
vessels loudly and sloppily.

FR. STEVE
Let us pray.
Another prolonged pause.
FR. STEVE (cont’d)
Jesus God,
You were a radical in your day -
May we live in that tradition.
Just as our sister, Mimi, did for her whole life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

ALL
Amen.
FR. STEVE
Trusting in God, we have prayed together for Miriam,
and now have come to the last farewell. There is
sadness in parting, but we take comfort in the hope
that we shall see Miriam again and enjoy her
friendship. Although this congregation will disperse in
sorrow, the mercy of God will gather us together again
in the joy of his kingdom. Let us console each other in
Christ.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual
light shine upon her.
Death is struck, and nature quaking,
all creation is awaking,
to its Judge an answer making.
To you, O Lord, we commend the soul of Miriam, your
servant; in the sight of this world she is now dead; in
your sight may she please live forever. Please, forgive
whatever sins she committed if through human weakness,
and in your goodness grant her peace. We ask this
through Christ our Lord.
ALL
Amen.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 23.

FR. STEVE
Let us take our sister to her place of rest.
MR. DECOSMO
Which is to be at Heights Mausoleum at the Water --
refreshments to follow.

FR. STEVE
The mass is ended, go in peace.
ALL
Thanks be to God.
CANTOR
(now at lectern)
Please join me in singing our recessional hymn, "When
the Saints Go Marching In."

The keyboard can here use a drum/rhythm

effect/maybe a non-organ "instrument" This is sung
very white-ly by the cantor. During the song, the
cast messily recesses out. Everyone leaves the urn
on the table.

CANTOR AND ALL

Oh, when the saints, go marching in
Oh, when the saints, go marching in
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.

And when the sun, refuse to shine

And when the sun, refuse to shine
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the sun refuse to shine.

And when the moon, turns red with blood.

And when the moon, turns red with blood.
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the moon turns red with blood.