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The list of Deceased Alumni Faculty and Staff.
The Memorial Mass is a celebration open to all who want to remember the lives of the deceased members of the Archmere Family. Over the years the Memorial Mass has developed a very loyal following. Many people find peace in remembering through this very special service at Archmere. The Alumni Association, which organizes and sponsors the event, wants members of the Archmere family to know this event is there for them to remember a classmate, brother, sister, husband, wife, father, mother or friend.
The idea for the mass came after Father Justin E. Diny, O. Praem died. Many people missed the funeral and wanted to participate in a service remembering him.
A mass was planned to include all of the deceased members of the Archmere Family. The mass was to be one of celebration, not of mourning. The mass was to be an acknowledgment that the students, faculty, and staff who went before us are still a very important part of what Archmere is today and what it will be in the future.
Once again, even after his death, Father Diny was the catalyst for something new and positive at Archmere.
Over the past years the Mass has developed traditions of its own.
The first tradition is to ask an Archmere Family who has suffered a recent loss to bring up the gifts during mass. The second tradition is for Alumni volunteers to read the names of the deceased. The Alumni Readers each take a decade and read names alphabetically by class. The third tradition of the event is to come together after the mass and share a light meal. People share their remembrances and catch up with friends over coffee, juice, pastry and bagels. This gathering is a very important part of the event and strengthens the sense of community associated with Archmere.
The names of the deceased students, alumni, faculty and staff are also remembered by a reading on All Saints Days with the student body. This Ceremony of Remembering reminds current students that Archmere's community was shaped by those that come before as they (the current students) shape it for the future.
Please mark March 28, 2004 on your Calendar for the next Memorial Mass. The Alumni Council invites anyone interested in attending or volunteering to help with the mass to contact Phil Toman '49 302.737.9073 or the Development office 302-798-6632.