Dear Friends,

As you may be aware, The Spirit of Life experienced the unanticipated death this past week of our dear community member, Paul Lynch, wife of Jane, father & stepfather to 5 beloved children, and "Pop" to 10 amazing grandchildren. Paul was known for his infectious smile, big heart and huge hugs all of which were manifestations of his compassionate and non-judgmental personhood. His primary life work was that of a school psychologist; however, his early life calling had been that of an ordained priest, and he served for 15 years in a several parishes in the Archdiocese and was known to many for his role as priest on Marriage Encounter weekends. As we reflected this week so personally on the experience of loss, we are mindful of the tremendous gift that our faith offers us in our belief in the communion of saints and the reassurance of life after death in the embrace of our loving God. It gives us hope. November being the month of remembrance of those who have died, and the month when we so dramatically experience the change of seasons , with the falling leaves echoing the sense of loss we feel as we grieve and remember our loved ones who have died. We hope that the Autumn Sonnet by May Sarton will speak to your souls, and if you are grieving the loss of a loved one, we pray that it will be an anchoring insight for your sorrow.

I can let you go as trees let go

Their leaves, so casually, one by one;

If I can come to know what they do know,

That fall is the release, the consummation,

Then fear of time and the uncertain fruit

Would not distemper the great lucid skies

This strangest autumn, mellow and acute.

If I can take the dark with open eyes

And call it seasonal, not harsh or strange

(For love itself may need a time of sleep),

And, treelike, stand unmoved before the change,

Lose what I lose to keep what I can keep,

The strong root still alive under the snow,

Love will endure - if I can let you go.

Reminder: Our liturgy will be held at 4:00PM during the remainder of Fall and Winter months.

Our Book of Remembrance will be available throughout the month of November for us to remember and honor our loved ones who have died. We hold them in our hearts, with gratitude for all they have 'passed on' to us.

With prayers for peace and hope in your heart,

Jean & Ron