Mass of Christian Burial
Katherine Christine Jackson Harris August 7, 1928 – May 6, 2014 Service Held May 16th, 2014 11:00 AM St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 111 Whalley Avenue New Haven CT 06511 Interment Evergreen Cemetery New Haven CT The Rev. Richard D. Meadows, Jr. Officiating
The Mass of Christian Burial: Rite Two Prelude All stand while one or more of the following anthems are sung or said.
Entrance of the Family I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though he die. And everyone who has life, and has committed himself to me in faith, shall not die for ever. As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. After my awaking, he will raise me up; and in my body I shall see God. I myself shall see, and my eyes behold him who is my friend and not a stranger. For none of us has life in himself, and none becomes his own master when he dies. For if we have life, we are alive in the Lord, and if we die, we die in the Lord. So, then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's possession. Happy from now on are those who die in the Lord! So it is, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labors. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and merciful Savior, deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death. O worthy and eternal Judge, do not let the pains of death turn us away from you at our last hour. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and merciful Savior, deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death. Hymn of Praise Blessed Assurance LEVAS 184 The Celebrant then says The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray. O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant N., being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word Isaiah 61:1-11 New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)
John Jackson
The Good News of Deliverance The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines; but you shall be called priests of the LORD, you shall be named ministers of our God; you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations, and in their riches you shall glory. Because their[a] shame was double, and dishonour was proclaimed as their lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion; everlasting joy shall be theirs. Psalm 23 The Divine Shepherd A Psalm of David
Summer Harris-Dear
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long. 1 John 3:1-3; 14 New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)
Susan Harris
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure…. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Gospel Selection Just a Closer Walk With Thee LEVAS 72 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Father R. Meadows
John 14:1-8 New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA) Jesus the Way to the Father ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.
At the end of the Gospel, the Reader says The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Sermon The Rev. Richard D. Meadows, Jr. Song of Meditation (Piano) Abide In Me The Apostle’s Creed In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us proclaim our faith and say, I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Prayer’s of the People For our sister Katherine. let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ who said, "I am Resurrection and I am Life." Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for Katherine, and dry the tears of those who weep. People: Hear us, Lord. You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend; comfort us in our sorrow. Hear us, Lord. You raised the dead to life; give to our sister Katherine eternal life. Hear us, Lord.
Bruce Jackson
You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our sister Katherine to the joys of heaven. Hear us, Lord.
Our sister Katherine was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit; give her fellowship with all your saints. Hear us, Lord. She was nourished with your Body and Blood; grant her a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom. Hear us, Lord. Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our sister Katherine; let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope. Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our sister Katherine, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that her death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father's love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen. Acknowledgements and Reading of the Obituary Katherine Christine Jackson Harris was born in New Haven on August 7, 1928 to Mabel L. Whittaker and Alexander B. Jackson, Sr., the only girl of five children. She attended school in New Haven and Hamden; graduating from Hamden High School in 1946. Katherine was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s where she served as secretary for the church. She was also a member of the vestry, St. Theresa’s Guild, Girls Friendly and the choir. She was also active in the Lunch Program and headed the Thanksgiving Basket program for many years. Also a member of the Freddy Fixer Parade committee and involved with Jack & Jill and the League of Women Voters. She worked for the State of Connecticut before starting Harris Secretarial Service in the 1960s, which she ran until her “retirement” in the 1990s. She contributed to several published non-fiction books and dissertations, most recently “Souls: A Genealogical Collection” by her cousin, Gwendolyn Hatcher, a history of our family. Katherine also worked for the University of New Haven, Southern CT State University, Yale Law School and the Urban League of Greater New Haven. She loved going to the casinos, traveling, reading, crossword puzzles and Judge Judy! Katherine leaves to cherish her memory daughter Susan; grandchildren Adam and Summer; brothers Dr. Bruce Jackson and John Jackson; sister-in-law Minnie Jackson and a host of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband Andrew, daughter Linda and brothers Aubrey, Alex, Jr., Henry and Robert Jackson Praise be to God and Father of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3
A letter of love 1345 Stoneybrook CT. Virginia Beach VA 23464 Dear Family: It is with great sadness that I received the unexpected news of the death of my dear friend and sister in law. I know that you are grieving deeply and while I cannot lessen your pain, please know tht I share it. Kathy will be greatly missed. There may be a longing to share one more day, one more word, one more touch with her; or there may be thoughts of why she left before we were ready to say good-bye, but as we go through this difficult time, let’s find comfort in the sweet memories created with our loved one. It is not possible for me to there, but my prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Love, Aunt Minnie
The Great Thanksgiving Offertory Hymn Amazing Grace LEVAS 181 Offertory Family brings forth Bread and Wine
Pearl Harris and Michael
Eucharistic Prayer A The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who rose victorious from the dead, and comforts us with the blessed hope of everlasting life. For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: Celebrant and People Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna in the
Please Kneel Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or to lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me." After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me." Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Celebrant and People Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. The Celebrant continues We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 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 from evil. or thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread [Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.] The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.] The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.] Communion Hymns: Let Us Break Bread Together LEVAS 152 Taste and See LEVAS 154 Break Thou Bread of Life LEVAS 146 Let us pray. Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love you have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. The Commendation Give rest, O Christ, to your servant(s) with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, "You are dust, and to dust you shall return." All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Give rest, O Christ, to your servant sister Katherine, with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more,neither sighing, but life everlasting. Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant N. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God. Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tomb. The Sun of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death. The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having taken away the sin of the world. Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in his Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you. Into paradise may the angels lead you. At your coming may the martyrs receive you, and bring you into the holy city Jerusalem. Please Join the family in the Parish Hall for a repass. They will proceed to the cemetery following the repass. The Committal at Evergreen The Consecration of a Grave O God, whose blessed Son was laid in a sepulcher in the garden: Bless, we pray, this grave, and grant that sister Katherine whose body is to be buried here may dwell with Christ in paradise, and may come to your heavenly kingdom; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me; I will never turn away anyone who believes in me. He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also give new life to our mortal bodies through his indwelling Spirit. My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope. You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sister Katherine., and we commit her body to the ground; * earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless her and keep her, the Lord make his face to shine upon her and be gracious to her, the Lord lift up his countenance upon her and give her peace. Amen. The Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 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 from evil. or thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord; people: And let light perpetual shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the departed, people: through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Alleluia. Christ is risen. people: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
Katherine Christine Jackson Harris
August 7, 1928 – May 6, 2014