‘An Evening of Lights’ will honor the lives of loved ones

By Natalie Hoefer

The holidays can be difficult for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

To honor the lives of those who have died and to help those who mourn, the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) is offering its first “An Evening of Lights” event in the Assembly Hall of the Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center, 1400 N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis, at 6 p.m. on Dec. 7, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson will lead a prayer service, which will include Scripture, a reflection, music by the Vox Sacra schola cantoraum, the blessing of a Nativity scene, and the lighting and blessing of a Christmas tree.

Lighting the room will be luminaries purchased for a small donation, featuring the names of loved ones whom donors wish to memorialize.

“The holiday season is meant for joy, laughter and celebration in spending time with family,” says CCF director Elisa Smith. “But for those who are grieving someone, the holidays can bring sadness and loneliness to the surface.

“It is important for those people to know that the Church is here sharing that sadness with them. We want them to know that we haven’t forgotten their loved ones, and that the holidays can be a time to celebrate their loved one’s lives as their light and legacy live on forever.”

Creating those legacies is the work of the CCF, which has a number of tribute and memorial endowments for parishes, schools and Catholic agencies established by individuals in memory of a loved one.

Luminaries for the event can be purchased in advance at www.archindy.org/CCF/eveningoflights. The minimum donation asked is $10, although more can be given. With each luminaria purchased, donors can list the name of a loved one they wish to have printed on the luminaria, which they may take home after the program.

The money collected for the event will be invested in the Catholic Community Foundation to support the growth of parish, school and agency ministries.

The deadline for purchasing a luminaria is Nov. 29.

All are invited to the event, even if no luminaria is purchased. Reservations are requested and may be made at www.archindy.org/CCF/eveningoflights.

Smith says the CCF staff hopes “that people find a special comfort in knowing that their loved ones are remembered by the Church in a special way during the Advent and holiday season.”
 

(For questions or more information, call the Catholic Community Foundation at 800-382-9836, ext. 1482, 317-236-1482, or e-mail ccf@archindy.org.) †