MEMORY CROSS
Forms are available in the vestibule for anyone wishing to pay for a light on the cross. The cost is $20 per person/light/year and the colour of the designated light will be changed during the week of the recipient's birthday, wedding anniversary or date of death according to the information recorded on the form.
Purpose: #1 The lights are to serve as a reminder to honour our deceased family and friends.
#2 A light(s) can also serve as a ‘prayer’ for the living and to celebrate special occasions.
How do I Purchase a Light?
Forms and envelopes are available at the back of the church or at the rectory.
What do I Do?
Fill in a form. NOTE – a separate form is required for each person you wish to honour. Put the envelope in the collection plate or return to rectory.
Who Can Purchase a Light?
Anyone can purchase a light(s).
What is the Cost?
The cost is $20.00 per light – you can purchase as many as you wish. Pay in cash or cheque to St. Monica’s Parish.
How Long will the Light be Valid?
Each purchase will be valid for one year. You can renew each year. A notice will be issued prior to the end of the term.
How does the Cross Work?
There are 466 lights in the cross. The “normal” colour of the light will be yellow. If you wish to honour a special event the light colour will be changed for a one (1) week period on the anniversary week.
- GREEN = Birthday Week
- PURPLE = Week of Wedding Anniversary
- RED = Week of Memorial
Lights: A specific light (with a designated number) will be assigned to each person you purchase a light for.
MEMORY "LIT CROSS REFLECTIONS"
People are asking me how the idea for this project came about. Being in my senior years I find that I have more time to devote to church and ponder about what lies ahead. My mind wanders, and I am quite content to just sit and reflect in these peaceful surroundings. I am so confident within myself that I actually forget why I am here.
Growing up as a young man from a large French-Canadian family, prayer or rosary was a commitment to God and Church. I still remember saying the rosary as a family during Lent and the month of May, “Le mois de Marie”. But here I am sitting in church and I have totally forgotten to pray for my parents, sister, cousins, uncles, aunts, and friends and all the others I have met along the way. I have forgotten what I learned so many years ago, to pray for others. Prayer is the greatest gift you can give and only you can do this.
I needed something visual to remind me of my duty to our faithful departed. I recalled the perpetual light or flame that was installed upon President John F. Kennedy’s death. I see people in church lighting candles for whatever reason. It finally occurred to me – what is needed is something that catches the eye and opens the mind. What if we were to build a large cross with lighted spaces that we could dedicate to departed loved ones on a yearly basis.
Before each mass their name would be mentioned and the colours changed on their special occasions such as birthday, wedding anniversary, the date of death, and other important family events. It would remind us and the community to offer a silent prayer for them and all the others on that cross. There are presently 466 spaces to be lit. What a great gift it would be to have people thinking and praying with you on your loved one’s special days.
This project could not have been possible without the help of many individuals. Special thank you to James Stewart of École Saint-Joseph for designing the front of the cross, providing and installing all of the wooden parts, electrical components etc. I thank you James for your generosity. Also thanks to École Saint-Joseph for the purchase of the equipment, materials and a place to build the cross. Eventually the front of the cross will be replaced with stained glass which will be built by the students of École Saint-Joseph under the direction of Mr. Stewart. Thanks to all of the students who participated.
Last, but not least, I would like to thank my wife, Raymonde, for her unconditional support which I needed. I invaded her personal space, floor, table etc. with paint, glue, paper and other supplies during the planning of the cross. She also did all the cut-outs needed for the front design.
How many hours we spent I don’t know, nor do I care, knowing that this has all been worthwhile.
Léo Paul Guindon
