Father Frank

This post has been a bit late in coming, because it has been difficult for me to find the words to express my feelings about the loss of my father in law. What I have come up with is just a shell of what Dad meant to so many. We have been related for a mere 5 years, but he greatly impacted my life during that time. In our lives there are a few special people that make a lasting impression. My father in law was one of these people.


Actually, he and I go way back, thanks to Arthur. I knew he was special from the first day Arthur introduced us over thirty years ago. The preciseness of his thought and action reflected his military experience, but he used that characteristic to enrich his family. There was never a single birthday or anniversary forgotten, thanks to him. When Arthur and I married, he instantly accepted us all as true family. There was no "step" in his vocabulary.


It was a known fact that my father-in-law was well respected in his church community, but I was not aware how well until the day of his services. The mass was presided by three priests and a bishop. The priests spoke of his devotion, and Father Julian told a humorous story about how the parishioners would ask to speak to "Father Frank," because he helped out at the church so often that many thought he was an associate priest. Bishop Reese assisted with the mass in spite of his own personal illness.

The mass was beautiful, a truly special celebration of a beautiful life. The music has stayed with me for over a week now, especially the hauntingly beautiful "Shepherd Me oh God."

Processional:
Serdeczna Matko (traditional Polish hymn)

Placing of the Pall- Children Allen, Arthur, Paula, and Lorin

Kyrie

Gloria:
From Mass of Creation

Book of Wisdom 3:1 - reading by daughter Paula

Psalm Response:
Shepherd me Oh God

1 Corinthians 15:51- reading by son Arthur

Gospel Acclamation

Holy Gospel of the Lord

Funeral Homily- Father Stan

Presentation of the gifts: Son Lorin, Daughter in law Sue, Granddaughter Raquel, Great Grandson Patrick, Grandaughter Stacia
Amazing Grace

Consecration of the Bread and Wine

Creed and Intercessions

Eucharistic Prayer

Communion Rite

Communion song:
Here I am Lord

Eulogy- presented by son Allen

Final reflection: Prayer of St. Francis- reading by granddaughter Stacia

Recessional:
Sing with all the Saints

The day was rainy, but as Allen spoke of his father, a sunbeam came through a stained glass window and shone upon the paper he was reading from. Later, as we exited the church at the completion of the service a white dove flew over our heads.

Surely this man is in Paradise today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"My father was never a man of wealth, but he was rich in the love and respect of his family, his friends, and all that knew him."- Allen W.

Pall Bearers- Grandaughter Stacia, Grandsons Matthew, Dominic and David, Great Grandaughter Emily, Grandson in law Stephen, and Friend Bob.

Age 86, July 21, 2009. Beloved husband for 62 years of Irene C. Dearest father of Allen F., Arthur F. (Stephanie), Paula K., Lorin (Susanne) and the late Kenneth. Dear father-in-law of the late Suzanne. Loving grandfather of Raquel, David, Dominic, Matthew, Gregory, Daniel, Stacia and Jared. Great-grandfather of Emily, Patrick, Hailey, Shelby, John Henry, and Alexis. Dear brother of Mary Ann, Rosalie Wila, the late Bernard and Carl. Frank was a lector and eucharistic minister at SS. Peter and Paul Church. Affectionately referred to as "Father Frank" because of his devout dedication to parish activities for over 50 years. Visitation at the Jarzembowski Funeral Home, 18957 W. Warren at Artesian, Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 12-9 p.m., Parish Rosary Friday 7 p.m. In state Saturday 9 a.m. SS. Peter and Paul Church until Mass of Resurrection 10 a.m. Interment St. Hedwig Cemetery.