We praise you, God, for comforting and guiding Mary in her life's journey through times in her own family of Murray and May Mulligan, in the family she raised with Tom Kierans and in all the years afterward.

Bless us now with what we need. Help us to be a comfort and strength to each other. Help us God, to accept the mystery of life, death, and resurrection. Quiet our hearts and give us peace.

Proverbs, Chapter 31: Verses 10-31

The perfect woman, who can find her?
She is far beyond the price of pearls.
Her husband's heart has confidence in her, from her he will derive no little profit.
She is always busy with thread and needle she does her work with eager hands.
She is like a merchant vessel, bringing her food from far away.
She gets up while it is still dark giving her household their food, giving orders to her helpers.
She puts her back into her work and shows how strong her arms can be.
She finds her labour well worthwhile: her lamp does not go out at night.
She sets her hands to the distaff, her fingers grasp the spindle.
She holds out her hand to the poor, She opens her arms to the needy.
Snow may come; she has no fears for her household, with all her servants warmly clothed.
She makes her own clothing.
She is dressed in fine linen and purple.
She is clothed in strength and dignity, She can laugh at days to come.
When she opens her mouth, she does so wisely;
On her tongue is kindly instruction
She keeps good watch on the conduct of her household
No bread of idleness for her
Her sons stand up and proclaim her blessed
Her daughters too, sing her praises:
Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all!
Charm is deceitful, and beauty empty; the woman who is wise is the one to praise.
Give her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her works tell her praises at the city gates.
The Word of the Lord.

St. Paul's 1st Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, Verses 1 - 13

If I have all the eloquence of men or of angels but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and even if I let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatsoever.

Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other peoples sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, to endure whatever comes.

Love does not come to an end. But if there are gifts of prophecy, the time will come when they must fail; or the gift of languages, it will not continue forever; and knowledge - for this, too, the time will come when it must fail. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect; but once perfection comes, all imperfect things will disappear. When I was a child, I used to talk like a child, and think like a child, and argue like a child, but now I am mature, all childish ways are behind me!

Now we are seeing a dim reflection in a mirror; but then we shall be seeing face to face. The knowledge I have now is imperfect: but then I shall know as fully as I am known.

In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love.

The Word of the Lord

Offertory Intentions

My dear friends, let us join one another in praying to God, not only for our departed sister Mary, but also for all God's people, for peace in the world and for ourselves.

The response to the petitions is "Lord hear our prayer"

1. In baptism, Mary received the light of Christ. Loving God, scatter the darkness and lead her into the glorious light of your presence forever. We pray.

2. Our sister Mary was nourished daily at the Eucharistic table of the Lord. Loving God, welcome her into the celebratory halls of the heavenly banquet. We pray.

3. The family, friends and co-workers of Mary seek comfort and consolation. Loving God, heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that comes from grief. May Mary's spirit be rooted deep in our own hearts all our days. We pray.

4. For all Mary's friends and co-workers at L'Arche, Faith and Light, PREP, Legion of Mary, The Door is Open, Agape Street Ministry, Queens Park Care Centre, and the many other groups whose mission Mary participated in as a volunteer. Loving God, bless them and give success to the work of their hands on behalf of the needy, the young, and the elderly. We pray.

5. For all those who cared for Mary in her illness this past year, health care professionals, hospital workers, and pastoral ministers. Loving God continue your healing work through their ministry to the sick and the suffering. We pray.

6. In gratitude for all our deceased family members, parishioners, and friends for all God gave us through their love and friendship. Loving God, may they now enjoy the rich reward they so well deserve, and may they pray for us until we see them again. We pray.

7. For Father Pat Tepoorten, parish staff and all parishioners at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Mary was so grateful for the welcome witness of God's love and the support and friendship she received from so many good friends here. Loving God, may Our Lady of Fatima Parish continue to be a welcoming place for all God's people; continue to work Your mighty deeds as they labour to bring about your reign of Peace and Love in this world. We pray.

God of Mercy, look kindly on your servant and friend Mary who has set down the burden of her years. As she has served you faithfully throughout her life, and trusted in Your love, may you give her the fullness of your peace and joy.

We give you thanks for all the years You gave Mary, now caught up in Your eternal love. We make our prayer in the name of Jesus who is our risen Lord forever and ever.