Bishop John D'Arcy's Funeral Mass

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)  Funeral services for Bishop John D'Arcy, who lost his battle with cancer Sunday morning, are taking place in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades, who replaced Bishop D'Arcy as Bishop of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Catholic Diocese in 2009, said Bishop D'Arcy was cherished, and preached as well as lived the gospel of Christ.

Click here to read all of Bishop Rhoades' remaks.

Monsignor Michael Heintz, from St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, said prayer was central to Bishop D'Arcy's preaching. He said Bishop D'Arcy would go to the cathedral after a long day to pray "finding in the presence of the one who loved him, both solace and strength."

Photo Gallery: Friday's visitation and Funeral Mass

Monsignor Heintz spoke about how firm Bishop D'Arcy was in his faith, even in his final days.

"Even from his sick bed, Bishop D'Arcy was teaching us the meaning of the mass, the meaning of our baptism," said Monsignor Heintz. "He was teaching us how to die."

D'Arcy's family and friends came from Boston for the service. His final resting place will be in the crypt of the Cathedral.

"It was such an uplifting mass. It's what Bishop D'Arcy wanted. He said he wanted it to be a joyful celebration of the praise of God. I think that's what it was," Bishop Rhoades said.

One moment remains in the minds of many. Just before communion, a ray of sunlight broke through the clouds and filled the sanctuary.

"It was as if Bishop D'Arcy was saying, 'I am with you. I rejoice with you,'" Therese Joy Burkett, a member of St. Patrick Parish in Arcola, said.

Through song and prayer, people remembered Bishop D'Arcy's 28 years of service to the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. Through laughter, they remembered his witty remarks and love for the Boston Red Sox. And, with quiet reflection, they remembered Bishop D'Arcy's mark on the community.

"He helped the soup kitchen and helped a lot of people," Tony Lardydell said.
 

Photo Gallery: Thursday's Reception of the body and Morning Prayer

The following is Friday's schedule of events:

• 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Visitation of the body in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
• 12 p.m.: The Funeral Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A reception for all will immediately follow at the Grand Wayne Center.
• The Rite of Committal will be conducted privately with the family in the crypt of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

 

Mass Participants / Leaders

Principle Celebrant:
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades

Concelebrants:
Archbishop Joseph Tobin
Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes
Bishop Daniel Jenky

Master of Ceremonies:
Deacon James Fitzpatrick

Deacon of the Liturgy:
Deacon Chris Lapp

Deacons of the Altar:
Deacon James Tighe, Deacon Brian Ching, CSC

Cantor:
Megan Hartz

Readers:
Sister Angela Mellady, OSF
Dr. John Cavadini

Homilist:
Msgr. Michael Heintz, Rector, St. Matthew Cathedral, South Bend, IN

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Attendees

Bishops:
Archbishop Joseph Tobin, Indianapolis, IN (concelebrant)
Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes, New Orleans, LA (concelebrant)
Bishop Daniel Jenky, Peoria, IL (concelebrant)
Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Wypych, Chicago, IL
Auxiliary Bishop John Dooher, Boston, MA - OSV Board member
Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Coyne, Indianapolis, IN
Bishop Emeritus Gerald Gettelfinger, Evansville, IN
Bishop Charles Thompson, Evansville, IN
Bishop Paul Bradley, Kalamazoo, MI
Auxiliary Bishop Peter Uglietto, Boston, MA
Bishop Dale Melczek, Gary, IN

Public Officials:
U.S. Senator Donnelly and spouse and one other
Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and two others
St. Sen. David Long and spouse
St. Sen. Tom Wyss and friend
St. Sen. David Kruse
St. Rep. Phil GiaQuinta
Mayor of Ft. Wayne, Tom Henry

University Presidents / Education Representatives:
University of Saint Francis -Sr. Elise Kriss OSF, will be with group of 35 sisters
Univsersity of Notre Dame – Fr. John Jenkins (in presbyterate)
IPFW -Linda Ruffolo -representing Vicky Carwein
Goshen College -Dr. Brenneman
Manchester University -Dr. Jo Young Switzer
Catholic High School principals--each one is attending and will be with spouse (or guest)

Ecumenical / Church Community Leaders:
Rev. Vernon Graham – Associated Churches, Fort Wayne
Rev. Roger Reece – Associated Churches, Ft. Wayne
Jackie Schreier, President of Congregation Achduth Vesholom

Our Sunday Visitor Board & Representatives:
Robert Doelling, Greg (and Corine) Erlandson, Kyle (and Marlene) Hamilton,
Mike (and Marcia) Flood,
Mary Lou Gorno, Jerome Kearns
Linda (and Mark) Teeters
Sr. Nora Hahn, PHJC and two others
Sr. Beatrice Haines, OLVM

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