9 Days for Life Novena - Day 9
January 26, 2018
Intercession: For God's peace to fill the hearts of all who travel upon the path of adoption.
Prayers: Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflection: The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us to "hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm" (Heb 6:18-19). We pray that all who are involved in the adoption process would be filled with the hope of Christ and "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding" (Phil 4:7). We also remember that we too can cling fast to this anchor of hope, for we have received "a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, 'Abba, Father!'" (Rom 8:15). May our loving Father envelop each of us in his love today and open our eyes in faith that we may see and rejoice in his love.
Acts of Reparation (choose one):
- Make an act of faith, hope, or love ( www.usccb.org/faith-hope-love ).
- Fast from snacking today. Eat three meals only.
- In " An Adoption Love Story ," Jenny* shares her and her husband's story of adopting their son, Andrew. Read about some of the challenges, concerns, and joys on their journey at www.usccb.org/adoption-love-story , and spend some extra time in prayer for all who are involved in the adoption process.
One Step Further: " Accompanying Expectant Mothers Considering Adoption " suggests nine ways to offer ongoing support to a woman who is considering placing her unborn child for adoption ( www.usccb.org/women-considering-adoption ). Many of the tips given are also helpful for supporting a friend who is experiencing a challenging unexpected pregnancy, even if adoption has not been brought up.
Supplemental reference information regarding adoption can be found at www.usccb.org/adoption-resources. *Names changed for privacy.
NABRE © 2010 CCD. Used with permission. Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
Norma D. (Vosburgh) Lofland, 73, of Springfield, MA passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2026. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Norma's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation March 8th 3pm-5pm at Beers & Story Funeral Home in Belchertown, Funeral Mass March 9th 11am at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Burial will take place with her parents at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Palmer. For more information please see here.
Ann Elizabeth (Connally) LeBrun, passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 63. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Ann's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and again from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. A Funeral Mass will take place the following morning at 11:00 AM. Burial will be held at a later date. For more information please see here .
Gilles Andre Gagnon, age 92, died peacefully at home on February 7, 2026, in Belchertown, Massachusetts Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Gilles' soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Calling hours are Saturday, February 21st from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gill’s life. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be offered to the American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/ . For more information please visit www.beersandstory.com
Douglas J. Rogers, of South Windsor, CT passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 16, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Douglas' soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. On January 12, 2026 a memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown at 11:00 am. Followed by a Celebration of Life at McCarthy's Pub in Belchertown.
It is with deep sadness and great love that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary T (Kusek) Kos on October 9, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Mary's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Services will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Motyka Funeral Home, 2186 Main St. Three Rivers, MA. There will be a calling hour from 9AM-10AM, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at St Francis of Assisi Parish, 24 Jabish St, Belchertown at 11AM, and Saint Peter and Paul Cemetery, Fuller Rd, Palmer.
Anita C. (Roy) Coulombe, entered eternal rest on Sept. 12, 2025, at the age of 92, at home with her son Roy by her side. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Anita's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A calling hour will be held on Mon., Sept. 22, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. This will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at St. Francis Church. Burial will be private, at the family's request. For more information see here .
Patricia (Barney) Skaza, passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 77 in New Bedford, MA. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Patricia's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. The Funeral Mass in Patricia's honor will take place on Saturday, September 13th, at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Church, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Chicopee. For more information see Legacy.com
Marilyn R. (Claus) Brunelle, 84, of South Hadley, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Pioneer Valley Nursing Home in South Hadley. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Marilyn's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Calling Hours for Marilyn will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 4:00pm – 6:00 pm in Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street, Ware, MA 01082. A Funeral Service will be held the following morning, on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:00 am in Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, 24 Jabish Street, Belchertown, MA 01007. Entombment will be held at 12:30 pm in St. Michael's Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109, following the church service. An online tribute page is available at www.charbonneaufh.com .
Jean Baptiste Bangoret Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Jean's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A Memorial Mass will be held in his honor at St. Francis of Assisi, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on Saturday, July 5th at 1:00pm.
Elizabeth Smola passed away earlier this year. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Elizabeth's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A Memorial Mass will be held in her honor at St. Francis of Assisi, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life on June 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.