Script What She Would Have

8/8/2019 Script What She Would Have

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What She Would Have Wanted: A Requiem for Mimi

By

Jimmy Grzelak

[email protected]



REQUIEM

This is Holy Family Faith Community (i.e. aCatholic church with a relatively liberal bent) -the decoration should not recall a traditionalCatholic church. Think conference room withkitschy Catholic attempts at modern design; it was

decorated in the late 80’s. It does, however, meetat least the bare minimum general norms of thedesign of a Catholic sanctuary - altar up front,tabernacle on an altar behind that, lectern, etc.The altar should be table-like, and not up againstthe wall. In other words, the priest should celebrate mass towards the people. Alternatively (with a bigger budget), it can be an older churchthat was renovated in the late 80’s, with kitschy Catholic attempts at modern design. There’s asmall table in front of the altar to hold Mimi’scremated 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 disheither).

Prelude

A number of options are available for pre-show musical entertainment. They are listed in order of ambition: (1) A recording of inspirationalnon-vocal elevator music - think a pan-piperendition of “Candle in The Wind,” “You Raise MeUp,” 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 karaokeversions of similar songs. (4) The cantor or Uncle/Aunt Louis(e) sing similar songs with theorganist (the organist can just play, or harmonize). (5) All of the above.

Programs should be available for the audience withthe order of the mass (including appropriateresponses, and music). The program - made by DeCosmo Funeral Homes, Inc. - should be explicitthat the congregation should participate fully inthe mass, and should receive communion, as it’s“what the family requests and what Miriam would have wanted.”

Mr. DeCosmo, the funeral director (perhaps thestage manager) approaches the lectern.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 2.

MR. DECOSMOThanks for joining DeCosmo Funerals, and the Auerbacherfamily, for the celebration of the life of MimiAuerbacher, and welcome to Holy Family Faith Communitythe celebration of the Rite of Christian Funeral ofMimi. We ask you to respectfully observe and celebratethis ceremony - no cell phones or flash photographs,

please. The family also asks that you participate fullyin this celebration of her life - designed with Mimi’stastes in mind. So - welcome Father Steve for thecelebration of the Christian Funeral. Thank you.

(beat -- should the audience clapfollowing that)

Please observe a respectful silence during the service,except when you shouldn’t, as outlined in your programguide.

Introductory Rites

Father Steve comes through door with procession

(order: one lector with cross, one lector withlectionary, cantor, altar server carrying Mimi’sremains-container (we’ll call it an urn from hereon out), Fr. Steve) - this can be at the front or the back of the church. They enter the room justenough so that he and the altar server are insidethe room. Fr. Steve can wear purple or white, butnot black robes.

FR. STEVEThe grace and peace of God our Father, who raised Jesusfrom the dead, be always with you.

PROCESSION(awkwardly turning around in place torespond)

And also with you.

FR. STEVE(sprinkling the urn with holy water)

In the waters of baptism, Miriam died with Christ androse with him to new life. May she now share with himin eternal glory.

The cantor awkwardly shuffles over to the lectern.S/he should be either mildly underdressed (becausethis is just a week-day mass) or ostentatiously dressed, a bright robe or something (becauses/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 bechurch-y sounding if it is church-y sounding in anaffected way.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 3.

CANTORPlease stand and join me in singing, "Let There BePeace 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 theintroduction again. Repeat until congregation participates satisfactorily.

Song begins. The procession processes - if they’veentered 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 taketheir 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 withthe congregation.

After two-to-three verses, the cantor stops, and the organ plays a conclusion - this should startwith the same chord-melody structure as the restof the playing. He should play the equivalent of “Let there be peace on earth/ And let it beginwith me/ Let there be peace on earth/ The peacethat was meant to be/ With God as...” Then, heshould segue into the Brady Bunch theme song, “Theyoungest one in curls./ The Brady Bunch (echo)/

The Brady Bunch (echo)/ That’s the way we becamethe Brady Bunch.” The end chords should be asgrand as possible - a swell in volume, and aretard in tempo; preferably, timed with the priestmounting 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; thecongregation should join him -- fromhere on out, the cast should modelvarious levels of enthusiasm incongregational response)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of theHoly Spirit.

ALLAmen.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 4.

FR. STEVE(extending his hands)

The Lord be with you.

ALLAnd also with you.

FR. STEVEAs we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’slove, let’s acknowledge our failures and ask the Lordfor 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 andsisters, that I have sinned through my own fault

(everyone should strike his or her ownchest)

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, mybrothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord ourGod.

FR. STEVEMay almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

ALLAmen.

FR. STEVELord, have mercy.

ALLLord, have mercy.

FR. STEVEChrist, have mercy.

ALLChrist, have mercy.

FR. STEVELord, have mercy.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 5.

ALLLord, 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 andFather, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praiseyou for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God,Lamb of God, Star-Child; you take away the sins of theworld, have mercy on us; you are seated at the righthand 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 theHoly Spirit, in the glory of God, our Father. Amen.

FR. STEVE

Let us pray.(bows his head briefly, moment ofsilence beat -- altar boy holds textfrom which he reads)

Thanks. O God, to who mercy and forgiveness belong,hear our prayers on behalf of your Miriam, who youcalled out of the world [there should be an “and”here; he skips it] because she put her hope and trustin you, command that she be carried safely home toheaven 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, oneGod, for ever and ever.

ALLAmen.

Fr. Steve sits. Everyone sits.

Liturgy of the Word

OLD TESTAMENT LECTOR(goes to lectern from seat, giving thetabernacle a very deep bow en route --once at lectern, he takes his own pieceof 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: andtheir departure is taken for misery,And their going from us to be utter destruction: butthey are in peace.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 6.

OLD TESTAMENT LECTOR (cont’d)For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet istheir hope full of immortality.And having been a little chastised, they shall begreatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found themworthy for himself.

As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and receivedthem as a burnt offering.(a gesture of some sort towards theremains)

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 overthe people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.They that put their trust in him shall understand thetruth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide withhim: for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he hathcare for his elect.

(Source: KJV Wisdom 3:1-6,9)This is the Word of the Lord.

ALLThanks be to God.

OT Lector returns to seat. Cantor goes to lectern.Organ chord.

CANTOR(singing, with logical accompaniment --this melody, however, should beuncomfortably 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 ALLOut of the depths, I cry to you, Lord.

Organ chord. Cantor begins to improvise something vaguely chant-like with this text; the organistattempts to follow; at some point, they canswitch, and the organist can begin switching chords, and the cantor can catch up. Sung:

CANTOROut of the depths, I cry to you, O LordLord, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentiveto my voice in supplication

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 7.


CANTORIf you, O Lord, mark enquiries,Lord, who can stand?

But with you is forgiveness,That you may be reverséd.


CANTOR AND ALL (cont’d)I trust in the Lord;My soul trusts in his word.My soul waits for the Lordmore than sentinels wait for the dawn.

Organ abruptly stops with end of psalm.

NEW TESTAMENT LECTOR(comes to lectern, does not do anythingto acknowledge the tabernacle -- alsotakes 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 allthe dead, great and small, standing there--before theThrone! And books were opened. Then another book wasopened: 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 theirdead. Each man and woman was judged by the way he orshe had lived. Then Death and Hell were hurled intoLake Fire. This is the second death--Lake Fire. Anyonewhose name was not found inscribed in the Book of Lifewas 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 anew earth, and no more water. They all dehydrated inthe way of Jesus, God, and so it was that he ordered itto be. That all would be peaceful and waterless inlife, and in death, everlasting --

Amen.

This is the Word of the Lord.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 8.


Organ chord. The alleluia sequence is sung withcongregational response like the psalm -- thismelody should be swoopy and melancholic.

CANTORAlleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

During this song, Fr. Steve rises and bows to thealtar; he should say inaudibly (though he canbreak the sotto voce rule), "Almighty God, cleansemy heart and my lips that I may worthily proclaimyour gospel."

CANTOR AND ALLAlleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

CANTOR

(chanting over organ)God loves the world so much, he gave us his only Son.Jesus is my friend!

CANTOR AND ALLAlleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Abrupt organ stop. Cantor leaves lectern; Fr.Steve approaches it.

FR. STEVE



FR. STEVE(reading out of the lectionary)

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.(making the sign of the cross on thebook, and then on his forehead, lips andchest.)

ALLGlory to you, Lord.

FR. STEVEWhen 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 ofrighteousness,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute youand 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.

ALLPraise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

FR. STEVE(inaudibly, while kissing thelectionary)

May the words of the Gospel wipe away our sins.(He leaves the lectern and ambles about

in the front of the church for thehomily -- this homily should probablynot move as fast as it seems it should)

Okay - step one. I have to say that you all have such abeautiful family - so strong, and varied. You’d havethunk they named the church after you all! But it wasnot you - this is Holy Family Faith Community, notMimi’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 loveyou. 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 toshare something with you.

So, I think what the gospel today is trying to say - isthat it really reminds me of Miriam. I think it’s justlike 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 allabout. I think that’s what Mimi was really all about.Mimi actually reminds me of a friend of mine from wayback in primary school.

Now, my primary school friend was pretty good - Mimiwas probably a bit better, seeing her interest in thearts;

(He is hastily and transparentlyattempting to personalize this sermon)

I enjoyed the collection of her fertility figurines youguys all put on display over at the funeral home, andher passion for sports - especially volleyball, and her

hard work in the telecommunications field.

But, for all intents and purposes, this friend was alot like Mimi.

But there was one vital difference - he was Crayola!

Now - he wasn’t a crayon, though, he was one of thosedrawable crayon-candles. They probably don’t make themanymore, with all the kerfluffle from the factorycensors about lead and political correctness. But, hereis 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 bedat night, and watch the shadow come through the windowwhen the neighbors did anything in their yard - my mommade me go to bed pretty early - as I’m sure Mimi didfor her kids. Where are the kids, anyway? You had agreat mother. Don’t be shy, just raise your hand - Godwon’t smite today.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 11.

(There are no kids.)Had you nervous there for a bit, didn’t I? I alwayspull that one. Because that’s my point, see - you’reall 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. Ileft out the part where I wet my bed because I was soscared. 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 intothe room - I was warmer than a boy should be in hissheets, and she looked at me and said, “I’ve got theright tools for you, Stevie! Oh boy, do I have theright tools, for you!”

Now, as you can imagine, I got nervous, because thiswas back when parents used corporal punishment, even on

T.V. Mimi, I know, was a better mother than that. Am Iright?

Which is the point, she’s not like my mother, she’slike 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 intothe room with these magic rubber sheets and, then, shetakes out the crayon candle. I’d been saving it, butshe - and this still addles me - drew a big circleright around my bed with the crayon, right on her woodfloors, which she scrubbed so nice.

And then lit the candle part and put it inside, andsaid, “No peeing in this circle, Stevie, or you stay inthis circle! Pee like a dog, live like a dog.”

And that was powerful. Because it was a choice. And Ithink that’s exactly where Miriam was on her life-faithjourney - the road from the beginning to the end, youknow?

Now, before you say, “Father Steve, you’re being somean about all this.”

Let me say - and I affirm her life here - Mimi was likea candle-crayon. Because - she had all this talent,that figurine collection, all hidden in her house. Agreat woman of God. You knew her. And, she was in thedrawer, 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 asaint, and God says there in the beatitudes

(can be pronounced beat-i-tudes, ratherthan be-AT-i-tudes)

then it’s just done.

And she knew how to do it! I remember one time, she andher Harley-club friends, came in. There was a flock ofrighteousness - great, strong women, strong, strong,strong.

So, today, let’s honor and celebrate here, sing some ofher favorite songs, and offer up a hosanna, so thatroad can be as comfortable as she made our lives. Shegave us so much - She gave God so much. And now we’vegot to do a lot of giving to catch up to the two ofthem. And I know that’s what you want to do, becauseyou asked for it, so let’s getter-done. Pray hard, pray

often.

They were always working together like that, God andMeems - everybody give me a smile. She’s in a someplacebetter - am I right, or am I right?

Fr. Steve returns to his place in front of hischair. He claps his hands, then clasps themtogether. All stand.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, makerof heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son ofGod, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God,

Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, notmade, one in Being with the Father. Through him allthings were made. For us men and our salvation, he camedown from heaven:

(all bow, and stay bowing)By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of theVirgin Mary, and became man.

(end of bow)For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, hesuffered, died and was buried.On the third day he rose again in fulfillment ofthe Scriptures; he ascended into heaven, and is seatedat the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory, to judge the living andthe dead, and his kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver oflife: who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

With the Father and the Son he is worshipped andglorified:

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 13.

FR. STEVE (cont’d)He has spoken through the Prophets.We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolicChurch.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. STEVEBrothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen from thedead and sits at the right hand of the Father, where heintercedes for his church. Confident [emphasis] ofthose who trust in the Lord Jesus, we join our prayersto 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 LECTORAfter we say "We pray to the Lord," you say, "Lord,hear our prayer" to send the prayers of the faithful.

NT LECTORSo, we pray to the Lord.

(repeat until congregation respondssatisfactorally)

ALLLord, hear our prayer.

OT LECTOROur sister, Miriam, shared in the priesthood of JesusChrist, working as a coach for the indigents of theurban educational system - give her reward for thiswork in the Lord’s vineyard; we pray to the Lord.


NT LECTORFor support of her enthusiastic support of first andsecond amendment rights; may what she wanted double andtriple, we pray to the Lord.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 14.


OT LECTORFor the family, gatherered here, that they might findthe happiness of a communal life in the wake of such a

cross-over, we pray to the Lord.


NT LECTORFor the revitalization of the downtown area which sheheld so dear, we pray to the Lord.


OT LECTOR

That the family can find solace in God, and also worldpeace, we pray to the Lord.


NT LECTORFor everyone in our parish book of remembrance, thatthose who have already gained a perfect union withChrist, our Lord, will welcome her with open arms andblaring trumpets, we pray to the Lord.

ALL

Lord, hear our prayer.

OT LECTORFor these intentions, and for those of all this family,we pray to the Lord.


Lectors take their seats; cantor returns to thelectern.

CANTORPlease join me in singing the offertory hymn in yourservice guide, "Star-Child."

The organist accompanies - no stopping during thissong. 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. Thisbread can be leavened.

CANTOR AND ALLStar-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 thealtar does this section in the brackets, inaudibly (though, again, there is the option of him doing these parts -- specified by the church asinaudible -- audibly.

He takes the paten (note: liturgical implementsshould not be classy and should not be gold) withthe bread, and holds both slightly raised abovethe altar.)

FR. STEVEBlessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Throughyour goodness we have this bread to offer, which earthhas given and human hands have made. It will become forus the bread of life.

(He then places the paten with the breadon the corporal. He pours wine and alittle water into the chalice.)

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 16.

FR. STEVE (cont’d)By the mystery of this water and wine may we come toshare in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself toshare in our humanity.

(He places the chalice on the corporaland bows)

Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased withthe sacrifice we offer you with humble and contritehearts.

(He stands at the side of the altar, andwashes his hands)

Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin.

]

FR. STEVE(Now audible and standing at the centerof the altar, facing the people -- heextends and then clasps his hands)

Pray, family, that our sacrifice may be acceptable toGod, the almighty Father.

ALLMay the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for thepraise and glory of his name, for our good, and for thegood of all his Church.

FR. STEVE(hands extended over gifts)

Lord, receive the gifts we offer for the salvation ofMiriam Auerbacher, for the remission of her sins, andthe lightning of her purging. May Christ be merciful in

judging our sister for she believed in Christ as herLord and Savior. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

ALLAmen.

FR. STEVE(arms extended until otherwise stated)



FR. STEVELift up your hearts.

ALLWe lift them up to the Lord.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 17.

FR. STEVELet us give thanks to the Lord, our God.

ALLIt is right to give him thanks and praise.

FR. STEVE



FR. STEVELift up your hearts.

ALLWe lift them up to the Lord.

FR. STEVELet us give thanks to the Lord our God.

ALLIt is right to give him thanks and praise.

FR. STEVE(can be awkwardly chanted)

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do wellalways and everywhere to give you thanks through JesusChrist our Lord.

(spoken)Death is the just reward for our sins, yet, when atlast we die, your living kindness calls us back to lifein company with Christ, whose victory is ourredemption.

Our hearts are joyful for we have seen your salvation,and now with the angels and saints we praise youforever:

ALL(sung -- sung, with organ and cantor -should be a typical “Sanctus” tune; noparticular angle on this one, other thanpicking one that someone in thecongregation might sing at their own

church if they attend mass. The othersongs of this sort might be better offif 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 outhis arms.

Father, you are holy indeed, and all creation rightlygives you praise. All life, all holiness comes from youthrough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, by the workingof the Holy Spirit. From age to age you gather a peopleto 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 andfor the happiness you have given us. We praise you fordaylight and for your word which lights up our minds.We praise you for the earth, and all the people wholive on it, and for our life which comes from you.We know that you are good. You love us and do greatthings for us.

Father, you are always thinking about your people; younever forget us. You sent your Son Jesus, who gave hislife for us and who came to save us. He cured sick

people; he cared for those who were poor and wept withthose who were sad. He forgave sinners and taught us toforgive each other. He loved everyone and showed us howto be kind. He took children in his arms and blessedthem.

(He clasps and unclasps his hands,holden them over the bread and wine.)

And so, Father, we bring you these gifts. We ask you tomake them holy by the power of your Spirit, that theymay become the body

(clasp-unclasp, and makes the sign ofthe cross over the bread and wine atonce)

and blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whosecommand, we celebrate this eucharist.

(He joins his hands together.)On the night he was betrayed, the day before hesuffered, the night before he died. When he was atsupper with his disciples, he took bread

(He raises the bread a little above thealtar)

and gve you thanks and praise. He broke the bread, gaveit 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 wasfilled with wine.

(He raises the chalice a little abovethe altar)

Again, he said thanks and praise, gave the cup to hisfriends 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 andeverlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and forall so that you know sins may be forgiven. Do this inmemory 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 numberwhich can be repeated in a loop untilcongregational participation issatisfactory)

Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will comeagain.

FR. STEVE

(arms extended)Father, because you love us, you invite us to come toyour table. Fill us with the joy of the Holy Spirit aswe receive the body and blood of your Son.

Lord, you never forget any of your children. We ask youto take care of those we love, especially Mimi Auerbachand 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 inthe 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 inhis insurrection, when Christ will raise our mortalbodies and make them like his own in glory.

Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers andsisters, and all who have left this world in yourfriendship. There we hope to share in your glory whereevery tear will be wiped away. On that day we shall seeyou, our God, as you are.

(He joins his hands.)We shall become like you and praise you forever throughChrist our Lord, from whom all good things come.

(He takes the chalice and the bread, andraises them up, chanting(ish):)

Through him, with him, and in him, in the unity of theHoly Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almightyFather, for ever and ever.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 20.

ALL(sung)

Amen.

Communion Rite

FR. STEVELet us pray with [emphasis] confidence in the words ourSavior gave us.

All stand. Fr. Steve can gesture to bring thisabout.

ALLOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is inheaven.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 fromevil.

FR. STEVE(said as quickly as possible, armsextended)

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peacein our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin andprotect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hopefor 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 beforeclasping his hands)

Do not look at our sins, but upon the beauty of thischurch.

ALLAmen.

FR. STEVEPeace with you always.


(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 21.

FR. STEVEGive each other signs of peace.

Everyone mingles and glad-hands -- especially Fr.Steve -- except for Old Testament Lector, whosulks. Organ chord -- everyone returns to their

places. Fr. Steve begins breaking the bread, whilethe 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 receiveit."

ALL(Sung with organ; this one issentimental, saccharine)

Lamb of God, you take away, the sins of the world; havemercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away, the sins ofthe world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you takeaway, the sins of the world; grant us peace.

FR. STEVE(to himself)

Lord Jesus Christ, with faith in your love and mercy Ieat your body and drink your blood. Let it not bring mecondemnation, but health in mind and body.

(He bows, then raises the bread. Some ofthe cast kneels -- he says aloud)

This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of theworld. Happy are those who are called to his supper.

FR. STEVE AND ALLLord, 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 frontof 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 soeveryone understands what to do/the paththroughout the space.

Mr. DeCosmo can tell people who don’t get up toget communion to get it, as “it’s what shewould’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 thevessels loudly and sloppily.

FR. STEVELet 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.

ALLAmen.

FR. STEVETrusting in God, we have prayed together for Miriam,and now have come to the last farewell. There issadness in parting, but we take comfort in the hopethat we shall see Miriam again and enjoy herfriendship. Although this congregation will disperse in

sorrow, the mercy of God will gather us together againin the joy of his kingdom. Let us console each other inChrist.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetuallight 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, yourservant; in the sight of this world she is now dead; inyour sight may she please live forever. Please, forgivewhatever sins she committed if through human weakness,and in your goodness grant her peace. We ask thisthrough Christ our Lord.

ALLAmen.

(CONTINUED)



CONTINUED: 23.

FR. STEVELet us take our sister to her place of rest.

MR. DECOSMOWhich is to be at Heights Mausoleum at the Water --refreshments to follow.

FR. STEVEThe mass is ended, go in peace.


CANTOR(now at lectern)

Please join me in singing our recessional hymn, "Whenthe 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, thecast messily recesses out. Everyone leaves the urnon the table.

CANTOR AND ALLOh, when the saints, go marching inOh, when the saints, go marching inLord, how I want to be in that numberWhen the saints go marching in.

And when the sun, refuse to shineAnd when the sun, refuse to shine

Lord, how I want to be in that numberWhen 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 numberWhen the moon turns red with blood.

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Script What She Would Have