Friends and Family Remembered at Memorial Service for the Homeless
For a third year, people were invited to gather at St. John the Evangelist Church to remember those who have died while living on the streets. This special Memorial Service for the homeless was held on Thursday, Dec. 22nd, joining with the National Coalition for the Homeless who encouraged communities across the nation to hold events at this time of year. The service was well attended by over one hundred people who gathered to remember those who died here locally as well as in solidarity with those who were remembered in cities across the country.
Homeless advocate Karina O’Malley was invited to offer the evening’s reflection. Recognized in the community for her many efforts to address homelessness, including working with her husband Lou to open and operate Green Bay’s first homeless shelter in 1987, Karina is now retired from teaching sociology at St. Norbert College and currently works with Community Voices In Action, a group of homeless and formerly homeless who advocate and educate around issues connected with homelessness and housing. In her reflection, Karina challenged the Brown County community to establish a permanent memorial for homeless veterans who have died. Responding to Karina’s invitation to anyone who wished to come forward to add their voices, two others offered some words of remembrance for a friend and a family member.
During the service, a candle was lit for each of the twelve individuals who died in 2011 here in Brown County who were identified by health or community service workers as homeless. A thirteenth candle was added to remember the people who died unknown and unnamed, but still precious in God’s sight. Those attending were invited to bring forth candles as a way of adding their prayers of remembrance. Joined in solidarity in the belief that medical care, housing and physical safety are basic needs that should be available to everyone, the congregation prayed, “Lord, build us into a spiritual house”.
Saints of God, come to their aid, come to greet them angels of the Lord. Receive their souls and present them to God. Present their souls to God Most High. Amen.
Special Thanks to Ed Winney, Sr. Fran Bangert, Susan Perrault, and Sr. Sally Ann Brickner who served as prayer leaders for this service; to Maureen Rompa, Skip Jones, David and Dan Robinson for leading the music; to Carrie Gusmer for serving as Interpreter for the Deaf, and members of Citizen Voices In Action (CVIA) for their participation and assistance with the planning of the service.
Click here to read the article that appeared in the Green Bay Press Gazette on Dec. 24, 2011.
To read the reflection offered at this year’s Memorial Service by Karina O’Malley, click here.
Karina O'Malley offered the evening's reflection
- Candles and shoes were brought to the altar to form a cross of remembrance for those who died while living on the streets
