Cate's Funeral

For being 7 months old, Cate sure made a lot of friends in a short period of time. The church was packed. The music selections were truly inspired (I'm sure my wife will cry every time she hears "Never let go" by Matt Redman). However, it was the Old Testament reading that struck me the most. The reading selected was the mass reading for June 24, 2008 (the day Cate passed away).

Hear me, O coastlands, listen, O distant peoples. The LORD called me from birth, from my mother's womb he gave me my name. He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me. You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, Yet my reward is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God. For now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, That Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; And I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

Cate did not toil in vain. She was truly a light to the nations. It is my hope and prayer the thousands of people who were touched by her life and death are left with a permanent impression on their hearts that might lead them to a deeper understanding of the sacrifice that God made for all of us in giving us his only Son.

Peace.

Funeral Services for Baby Cate

Baby Cate's blog is updated with a message from her parents. I haven't had the heart to read past the first few sentences. I can't imagine what it took to write it.

The funeral home also has a very nice obituary for Baby Cate. I thought I'd link to it in case someone was interested in reading it or signing the guest book.

Rest in Peace Cate Cantrell

I did not want to post anything until on this until I knew it was public knowledge. Sadly, Baby Cate has passed away. As much as we all prayed for her, she is now with our Lord in Heaven praying for her family. Please continue to pray with her, for her family.

Until we meet again...

Cate Cantrell Needs Your Prayers

Charlie Cantrell and I made Cursillo together a million years ago. My wife and I and He and Ali (his wife) all worked together preparing the youth of our parish for confirmation (about half a million years ago). They are an incredible example of what, "living your faith" really means.

Their youngest daughter, Cate was born with heart defects. They are currently at Children's Hospital in Texas where Cate underwent surgery to try to correct some of those defects over a week ago. Unfortunately, the surgery did not go as well as everyone had hoped. She is now fighting for her life. If you want a lesson in "how to place your faith and trust in God", please take the time to visit Baby Cate's blog.

Please pray for Cate Cantrell and her mom and dad. This is truly their hour of need.