A Parking Lot Interview 

The funeral was over. A young blond woman from Cincinnati approached one of our Corpus Christi members in the church parking lot. She reported: "I came here so sad over the death of Jerry O'Neill. Now I am leaving in such joy after my experiences here at Corpus Christi today." Then she gave Lynn a great big hug, a hug of love and thanksgiving. The young woman went on to explain. When she arrived at church that morning she was greeted with a smile and a warm hug as she entered church. That was surprising. A hug and a smile at a funeral?! But there they were -- a man and a woman greeting people entering church with a smile, a warm greeting and a hug! And it did not end there. Fr. Don included some humor in his homily ... and the humor fit so well with Jerry's Irish temperament. The choir music was marvelous, soloists amazing, uplifting to our spirits! And then there was the warm kiss of peace, and the warm kiss of peace, and the warm kiss of peace. Wow, what a warm and friendly place here at Corpus Christi! Well, now the whole family knows why Jerry and Elaine have chosen this as their church home. All the visiting family members "felt nothing but love!" And then the young woman gave Lynn another big, warm hug of "thanks for the great experience". Other people gave similar compliments. The visiting priests and deacons smiled as they entered and received warm welcomes. Afterwards one deacon wrote an e-mail saying "You have an amazing parish. I can see why Jerry chose it as his spiritual home." Even the funeral director, who has clearly been to many a church funeral, commented on the great spirit he was pleased to experience at Corpus Christi. Yes, it is a joy to receive such compliments from visitors to Corpus Christi!