Carmelites sew new funeral vestments for parish
By S.L. Hansen
for the Register
During this month of November, any day that is not a feast day will find Father Zimmer wearing black vestments at all Masses, which he offers for the poor souls in Purgatory.
“We do a great injustice when we stop praying for those in Purgatory. Something like these black vestments reminds people to pray for the poor souls.”
In August, Father Michael Zimmer, pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Sutton, received new funeral vestments purchased by the parish Altar Society.
Hand-made by the sisters of the Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Valparaiso, the black and ivory chasuble, stole, chalice veil, and casket pall are exquisitely designed with symbolism and created with prayer in every stitch.
Father Zimmer said the parish’s previous funeral pall was showing a lot of wear, which was the impetus for seeking out something new. As he used to celebrate Masses for the Carmel, he was familiar with the sisters’ ability to create beautiful vestments.
“They kind of knew what I wanted, but I gave them free reign over the design,” said Father Zimmer. “I love that these are black and ivory.”
For a time, black funeral vestments had fallen out of custom in the United States, but more parishes are using them these days. Violet (a sign of waiting or mourning), is a common choice, and white (symbolizing joy and purity) has been seen, but Father Zimmer believes black is more fitting.
“I don’t like to wear white vestments for a funeral, because I don’t have the authority to declare someone a saint,” he admitted. “I have all-black vestments, but that can be too stark for a funeral.”
The St. Mary Altar Society provided funding to cover the cost of fabric and thread, which amounted to $1,200. Father Zimmer noted that this was a great bargain, as vestments of this quality can be three times as much or even more.
Monica Smith, current president of the Altar Society, explained, “We were fortunate to have a couple donations earmarked to be used towards these particular vestments, so when we finally were able to move forward in having them made, we had a portion of the cost already covered by those donations.”
The Carmelite Sisters will not accept compensation for their labor, but the altar society provided a modest donation to their monastery. Also, several ladies plan to deliver ice cream to the sisters as a special treat in the coming weeks.
Once Father Zimmer made his request known to the Carmelite Sisters, it took about a year for the vestments to be made. In part, this was due to the sisters working on other previously-requested vestments, but another factor is that the sisters work by hand. Stitch by stitch, the sisters pray for each departed soul whose remains will lie under the pall and each priest who will wear the chasuble.
Smith described the vestments as “very gorgeous” with “a lot of amazing detail.”
“In my opinion, it just adds to the beauty of the funeral Mass,” she said. “What better way to symbolize the deceased’s journey to a more beautiful place than by draping the casket with a beautiful pall?”
The first time a funeral at St. Mary Parish used the new pall, which happened to be for the beloved husband of one of the Altar Society’s members, Father Zimmer was struck by the sisters’ design of the item. The underside of the pall is all black, but as it was unfolded over the casket, symbols of the Crucifixion and the Alpha and Omega wrought in gold appeared on the ivory brocade top.
“Those symbols are our hope,” Father Zimmer said.
Smith noted that the Saint Mary Altar Society works hard to serve bereaved families of the parish.
“We have an absolutely amazing and active Altar Society,” she said.
For all funerals, the Altar Society serves a hot meal, with different women contributing meat, potatoes, salads and desserts. Some members volunteer during the meal for set-up, serving, and clean-up.
“It never fails that we have multiple people make comments about how amazing a job our church does with their funeral meals and how good they are,” Smith said.
During the rest of the year, the Altar Society serves the parish and Father Zimmer in other ways as well. Vestments, for example, need replacement from time to time due to ordinary wear and tear. Father Zimmer said liturgical vestments are just as important to the Mass as altar linens, candles and other elements. Worn vestments, he said, could indicate a struggling parish.
During this month of November, any day that is not a feast day will find Father Zimmer wearing black vestments at all Masses, which he offers for the poor souls in Purgatory.
“Purgatory is an act of God’s Mercy,” he enjoined. “We do a great injustice when we stop praying for those in Purgatory. Something like these black vestments reminds people to pray for the poor souls.”
