Last October, my brother Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that had metastasized to his brain and spine. My wife Marie and I went to visit Mark in the hospital the day after he learned this. Mark's wife Avalon met us at the hospital. Just before we entered Mark's room, she told us the doctor gave him only two weeks to live and that Mark's choice was to go home with hospice care. Mark looked anxious when we went into his room. While we visited, we reminisced about our “growing up years.” I reminded Mark how our Mom had pushed us to study for (and receive) the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation. It was then I asked Mark if he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He thought a minute and then said, “Yeah, yeah I do.” 

I felt relieved to hear those words; after all, my brother's struggles with alcoholism seemed to have separated him from his Catholic faith for over 50 years. (These struggles had also put a strain on my relationship with Mark for the past 30 years.) Now, as he faced the end of his life, that strain instantly dissolved and my focus shifted to the best memories of our relationship. Before leaving the hospital that evening, I hugged and kissed Mark and we had a tearful goodbye.

A few days later when visiting Mark at his home, I asked him if he would be willing to have a priest visit to give him the Anointing of the Sick Sacrament . Once again, he took a moment and then agreed to this. I also wanted to make sure Avalon approved. Her response was, “If Mark agreed to it, I have no problem with it.” The next day I made a call to coordinate a visit with the local parish priest. The parish secretary there asked me if my brother wanted to make a confession and receive the Eucharist. I felt that I would really be taking a risk to ask Mark if he would agree to make a final confession, as he had been away from the Church for so long. I called him to ask, and to my relief once again, he agreed. I felt both shocked and elated.

A few days later, Marie, my son Nick and I arrived at Mark's home. There were almost 10 family members and friends there, along with Father Stan, who was already in the next room with my brother. Father Stan said he would call everyone in once Mark finished his confession. While waiting in the family room, a childhood friend of mine and Mark’s told me he thought bringing in the priest “was a good call.” He said he wished he had thought of it when his brother died six months earlier. A few other friends said they thought it was a good idea too.

Father Stan opened the door after about 10 minutes and invited us all to come in and pray with him. We watched him anoint Mark with oil and give Mark Communion. During this sacrament, Mark had his hands folded as if to be praying very hard and several times he made the sign of the cross. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in that room. It appeared to me that my brother was deeply sorry and wanted God’s forgiveness. I noticed a few people crying. Father Stan left after receiving many words of gratitude from almost everyone there.

After others had left the room, Marie, Nick and I visited with Mark when he called out to Avalon to bring him a certain box from his dresser drawer. When she brought it, we saw it contained his rosary. Next, he asked Avalon to look for his St. Christopher medal and seemed frustrated when she couldn't find it. Then awhile later, Mark said, “Daryl, thanks for bringing the priest.” I replied that my intention was to prepare his soul to meet Jesus and for Christ's mercy to save his soul.

When Mark fell asleep, we joined the others in the family room. I was greeted with more positive comments about bringing in Father Stan - “good idea . . good call.” Four people in that group had been raised as Catholics, but no longer went to church. The others, I would consider “Nones”--no affiliation with any religious faith or church.

The next day Avalon told me Mark appeared to be more peaceful and thanked me again for calling the local priest. A few days later when I visited Mark, I was surprised to find him sleeping with his rosary around his neck. And after Mark died, at his Celebration of Life, I saw that Avalon was now wearing Mark's St. Christopher medal. She said she eventually found it and Mark requested she wear it for protection.

The “Thank You” card Avalon sent us the next week brought me to tears. She noted that “Our kind words, strong faith and confidence gave Mark peace in his final journey . . . and gave her a strength to pull her through this tremendous loss.” As a Catholic, I understand now that I'm called to be a disciple and to evangelize. This means I can continue to do something as simple as planting seeds, by doing little things every day that reflect God's love or in the final stages of a loved one’s life to help guide them home to Jesus Christ.

Welcome Our New Mission Team Members to

St. Mary of the Lake

Nick Brady, Coordinator of Mission

My name is Nick Brady, newly hired Coordinator of Mission at St. Mary of the Lake. I bring with me a vision of the young adults of St. Mary’s engaging Jesus Christ in deep relationship, especially through the Eucharist – living out their call to know, follow, and share Jesus Christ. I know through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, your prayers and stewardship, and through the intercession of Mary, this vision can become reality. Outside of my role as Coordinator of Mission, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend (Madalyn), riding roller coasters (the taller the better), co-operating a small consulting business, cooking, and craft beer. I look forward to meeting each member of St. Mary’s, especially the young adults. I encourage you to reach out and say hello: nbrady@stmarys-wbl.org. Thank you to all who have warmly welcomed me and made me feel at home in Minnesota (moved from Illinois on December 1, 2019).

Carley O’Bryan, Coordinator of

High School Ministry

Hi everyone! My name is Carley O’Bryan and I am the new Coordinator of High School Ministry.

 

A few things about me, I’m 21 years old and have spent my time post high school graduation working and doing ministry for the Catholic Church all over the world! I've also, spent a year working with Net Ministries as a missionary in Australia and the following year working for the Church in London, England.

 

I have a heart for mission and helping others to know that they are known and loved by Jesus. I am a very relational person and consider myself a relatively funny person. I have a deep appreciation for dogs and deep-dish pizza and am highly competitive and notorious for yelling at my television when watching football, especially the Minnesota Vikings. I love them!

I am thrilled to be a part of this team here at St. Mary’s and am excited to get to know each one of you! Reach out and say hello at cobryan@stmarys-wbl.org.

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COMING UP

Ash Wednesday

February 26, 2020

Masses: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM

Pick up a Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl at any of the Ash Wednesday Masses!