Hi everyone,

Jeff's funeral information is as follows:

Monday, November 27--St. Mary's Church, Storm Lake, IA

• Visitation from 4:00-8:00 P.M. with the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel prayed at 4:15
• Vigil service at 7:30
• Confessions will be available from 5:00-8:00 P.M.

Tuesday, November 28--St. Mary's Church, Storm Lake, IA

• Confessions will be available from 9:00-10:00 A.M.
• Rosary at 9:45 A.M.
• Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M.
• Burial following in the St. Mary's cemetery
• Luncheon to follow in the St. Joseph's Center

I want to offer a word of explanation as to why we are offering confessions for at least four hours on Monday and Tuesday. As of this writing, I'm trying to find someone to hear confessions from 4:00-5:00 P.M. on Monday.

The Catholic Church places a few requirements upon us in order to receive Holy Communion. We need to fast from all food and drink (except water and medicine) prior to receiving Holy Communion. We can't receive the Eucharist three times in one day. And most importantly, we must not be conscious of any unconfessed mortal sin prior to receiving Holy Communion. For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must simultaneously be met. The action must be grave (meaning serious), it must be done with full knowledge that it's wrong, and with full consent of the will. In other words, it's something serious, that we know is wrong, and that we choose to do anyway.

As a priest, I feel that it is my serious duty to properly catechize on this important point. St. Paul tells us in his first Letter to the Corinthians that whoever would eat or drink the Body of the Lord without first discerning the Body of the Lord (meaning whoever would receive the Eucharist unworthily) would eat and drink judgment on himself. Many people come to a funeral Mass and it's the first time they've been to Mass in quite some time. And, lest we forget, it's grave matter for a Catholic to miss Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation. Put in plain English, if someone has intentionally missed a Sunday Mass (or a Holy Day of Obligation) knowing that it was wrong and having the ability to go but choosing not to (e.g. we're not talking about when you're sick, get a flat tire, are caring for a sick loved one, etc.) that person needs to bring that to confession prior to receiving the Eucharist. This would obviously also apply to other serious sins.

This may sound harsh or judgmental. But it really isn't intended to be! I'm writing this from the heart of a pastor with the responsibility of caring for souls. More than anything, Dad wanted his illness to be an occasion for many people to return to their faith. If you've been away from Mass or confession for some time, please take advantage of this opportunity to come back! If you don't know how to go to confession, don't worry! The priest will be more than happy to help and guide you! If you need some help examining your conscience, this guide is very good!

My family and I can't wait to welcome you to these services giving worship to almighty God and honoring my dad, Jeff. The greatest act you can possibly do to honor him would be to return to your faith if you've been away! Jesus loves you and is calling you home!

Sincerest blessings,
Fr. Patrick Behm