In Loving Memory of Mark, Louise and Evan O’Connor

In Loving Memory of Mark, Louise & Evan O’Connor

On Wednesday October 1st at the Memorial Service for Mark, Louise, and Evan O’Connor, Fr. Gerry gave the following reflection to the community gathered at Stonetown Community Running Track to remember, to grieve, and to pray.

St. Paul tells us tonight that “whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” (Rom 14:8). Those words bring us back to the deepest truth of our faith: that our lives are held in God’s hands, from beginning to end. Mark, Louise, and Evan belong to the Lord. And in our grief, we cling to that promise.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to hearts that are broken and anxious: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” (John 14:1-2). Jesus knows our questions, our disbelief, our aching sorrow. Yet He assures us that He Himself has gone before us to prepare a place for those we love, a place of peace, light, and eternal joy.

Tonight, we hold Robert, Cian, and Shauna especially in our prayers, and we surround all the O’Connor and Doherty families with love. We know that no words can take away the pain, but our presence, our prayer, and our care are a way of saying: You are not alone.

To the many friends, neighbours, and all who have gathered: your grief, too, is real. In the face of such loss, faith may feel fragile—but even the smallest spark of faith reminds us that death does not have the final word. Christ does. And His word is life.

So, we entrust Mark, Louise, and Evan into God’s eternal embrace, and we ask that the Lord, who is our Way, our Truth, and our Life, will carry us all through this valley of sorrow into His promise of hope.

Amen. 🙏

(Alongside this reflection, the poem “And God Said” posted on the wall at the Oklahoma City Bombing Site by K.C. and Mike Kuzmic was also read, a reminder of God’s presence in our grief, our tears, and our hope.)