St. Mary's Everly celebrates final Mass

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
July 8, 2004

EVERLY - More than a few tears were shed during Mass on June 27 at St. Mary's Church in Everly as it was the parish's final liturgy. The church is now closed.

Molly Mulqueen, lector for the Eucharistic celebration, presented a reflection written by Father Tim Fitzgerald, pastor of St. Mary's. Prior to the procession, she read, "In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to give up everything...so that he may become the center of our lives. As we celebrate this Mass, we may feel that we are giving up many things, however, our faith helps us to keep the Lord the source of all we do as we try to follow his will. We know that he will be with us especially at this time transition, time of change."

Msgr. Roger Augustine, the diocesan administrator, presided at the Mass while Father Fitzgerald, Father Eugene Schumacher and Father William Wingert concelebrated. Members of the Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard for the occasion.

In the homily, Msgr. Augustine pointed out that the Gospel of Luke centered on Christ's journey which eventually led him to Jerusalem where he was placed upon the cross.

"We also make a journey of faith which began at our baptism - for many of you, perhaps it was here. This journey of faith continues to be nourished through hearing God's word," he said. Again, the diocesan administrator mentioned that many of the people had been sustained by the word that was proclaimed in that very church.

He acknowledged that the journey is not always easy, but they could be assured that God was with them. Through the Eucharistic celebration, he added, people are sustained and strengthened for their journey. Faith, Msgr. Augustine reminded them, was a gift.

He pointed out that Jesus had asked his followers to give up very much. Christ asked them to leave their homes and follow him.

"Many times in our lives, we also have to give up very, very much, but we are sustained through the sacramental life of the church and by the word of God in the Scriptures," noted Msgr. Augustine.

Even in this time of transition, he asked the people to be steadfast in their faith and rejoice because the journey has great rewards.

After the liturgy, each family was invited to place a rose on the altar. Msgr. Augustine blessed them. Glenda Seivert, past parish director, planned that portion of the service.

Kendal Thompson, one of the parish directors, pointed out that the parishioners had been anticipating the church closing for about a year.

"The final liturgy flowed well from the events that we have been going through in the last several months," he said. "Still, the finality of it is difficult. At the same time, we look forward to what is to come as we go out and join other parishes." His family plans to join Sacred Heart in Spencer.

Steve Clark, the other parish director, said it was a nice service that helped people recall many special memories of the parish. He saw several former parishioners along with present ones at the final liturgy.

Clark found the rose memorial to be the most emotional part of the service.

Molly Mulqueen, lector, noted that she has been happy to be part of such a strong, faith-filled parish. She has been a parishioner at St. Mary's for the last 30 years and from here will go to St. Joseph's in Milford.

"The people of St. Mary's are my family. Our family will be together in spirit even though with faith we have the courage to go forth to different parts of the world," she said.

Anne Fell played the organ and cantored for the celebration. She pointed out that it was hard making it through the liturgy because it was so emotional.

"I had to really concentrate on my music," she said. Fell plans to join St. Louis in Royal and anticipates using her musical talents at that parish.

A parish dinner concluded the celebration.