Veteran's Day Invocation Prayer

My First Funeral as the Presiding Clergy

My first funeral as the Presider at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery.

What an honor it was to be asked to preside at a committal service for the Father (Drew "Buddy" Mason) of my brother's wife. He was a wonderful man that had touched so many people's lives. 

He was a Korea War Veteran, A Loving Father and so many more things.

My brothers Dan and Terry attended the funeral.

As I have stated before, 

there is something so very special about the honor and dignity given to all Veterans at their funeral.

Processing in with The Flag, The Cremated Remains of "Buddy", and the Bugler.

Then TAPS was played.

Respect was given to the Military man from all and with salutes from all who served.

Many could not hold back the tears from the emotion that welled-up from within.

The flag was presented representing his relationship to our great country as a man of service.

With precision the flag was folded, 

and then the wife of the deceased was presented with the flag.

Once the Military Honors were completed the spiritual aspect of the service began.

The Sprinkling Rite with Holy Water over the remains.

Then an opportunity to explain that for Christians, 

Death is not the end, but only a necessary step to eternal life.

My Brother Dan assisted with the reading of Scripture.

The Gospel was proclaimed and the Homily followed.

For many, attending a funeral is their first exposure to Christianity, 

and for others, it might be the first time in a long time that the thought of self evaluation is contemplated.

There was time for a short Eulogy that connected with so many that were present.

Although the words were pleasant and flattering, they were very difficult to not only say, but to hear as well. The connection that so many had, and now with the feeling of loss, brought about enormous emotions. 

Yes, there was sadness and some grief....

But there was also some smiles and brightness when remembering the good times.....

After the conclusion of the service, there was a lot of sharing of love that was ever so needed.

In a matter of just a few minutes, He was committed into the ground and then closure for some could begin. Not closure of a life lived together, but a closure to this worldly life together awaiting the next, and time together for all eternity.

We were reminded of the many blessings that surround us, the joy of life, and the love of Family!

Until we meet again, it will be like "He is just gone fishing," it just isn't our turn yet!

Special Prayer Intentions - "Year of the Priest"

Each week Our Lady of Mercy includes a particular priest for special prayer intentions to celebrate "Year of the Priest" proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI.

This week's priest is Father Carl Subler, Military Chaplain currently in Afghanistan. Father Carl's indirect link to OLM is that he was in seminary with Father Avram Brown.

We appreciate your prayers for Father Carl, all priests, and also all of our military.

U.S. Army Chaplain Carl Subler flies over the rugged terrain of Kandahar province on March 3, 2010 to visit soldiers at Forward Operating Base Frontenac in southern Afghanistan. 

Father Carl Subler stares at a plate of corned beef hash served to him for breakfast Friday, March 5, 2010 at a small American combat outpost in Sha-Wali-Kot in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan. Although Catholics are meant to refrain from eating meat on Fridays during the period of Lent, small military outposts in Afghanistan have limited food options and serve up whatever they have.

Father Carl Subler passes opium poppy farmers while on a military operation on March 14, 2010 at Howz-e-Madad in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. He had accompanied soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment on an offensive operation against Taliban in the area. Although U.S. military chaplains are non-combatants, CPT. Subler goes on combat patrols to provide support for troops in the field. 

Army chaplain Father Carl Subler celebrates a Catholic Mass for soldiers on March 5, 2010 at a small American combat outpost in Sha-Wali-Kot in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan. Military chaplains travel the battlefield throughout Afghanistan, providing a backbone of support for thousands of soldiers struggling with the difficulties of war and year-long deployments away from home.

U.S. Army chaplain Father Carl Subler presents the Eucharist before distributing communion at a Catholic Mass for American soldiers on March 5, 2010 at a small U.S. combat outpost in Sha-Wali-Kot in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan.

U.S. Army soldiers line up to drink from the precious cup of Blood (Jesus Christ) while celebrating communion with Catholic Chaplain Father Carl Subler on March 5, 2010 at a small U.S. combat outpost in Sha-Wali-Kot in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan. U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq are prohibited from drinking alcohol while on deployment; although exceptions are made for religious services such as Mass. 

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Strolling Down Memory Lane

Liz found a box of old photos and we sat down to look at them........ What memories!

Christmas Time (Me, Dan Kevin)

High School Football

18 years old - joined the Navy

20 years old - Stationed with the 4th Marine Division (Doc Kearns)

Jet Skiing with my brother Kevin in Long Beach, CA.

Nellie, Kevin and Me (Those were racing jet Skis...fast)


Working on the "Labor and Delivery Unit" at the Naval Hospital in Long Beach, CA.


I was sure that I was pregnant but we couldn't find a heart beat, nor any brain waves.


Could my shorts have been any tighter.... or higher?


The original "Green Burrito" in Hawaiian Gardens (Southern California)
Brothers Mike, Tim, and me


Brother Tim watching Mike trying to eat a "Big Ed" burrito.


Me and my brothers (Terry and Tim)


Kevin, Me, and Tim Scuba diving at divers cove in La Jolla CA.


See Ya!


Are you sure we have to back into the water?


Brother Kevin and me


Tim and Me at a race in Long Beach.
Hey - can be breathe yet?


Check out my pants......


Brothers - Kevin, ?, Tim, me, Terry

Then I fell in love with the greatest girl ever:

LIZ



From the very beginning I just knew I would spend the rest of my life with this woman,
as long as she would have me.


Christmas Time


Married and living in San Diego


My beautiful wife and my greyhound "Westcott."

Living in San Jose - Doesn't Liz look great!

The Kearns clan from years ago

1983 Kearns Clan

- - - - - - - - - -

These pictures remind me that the only thing in life that really is important are your relationships. Possessions mean nothing when it is all said and done.

Relationships and experiences are everything!

Thank you Lord for the reminder!