The Legacy Mass of Resurrection

When I die, give what is left of me to children.

If you need to cry,
cry for your brothers walking beside you.
Put your arms around anyone
and give them what you need to give to me.
I want to leave you with something,
something better than words or sounds.
Look for me in people I have known and loved.
And if you cannot live without me, then let me live on
in your eyes, your mind and your act of kindness.
You can love me most by letting hands touch hands
and letting go of children that need to be free.
Love does not die, people do.
So when all that is left of me is love . . .
Give me away . . .

With Gratitude
We would like to express our deepest appreciation for
your thoughtfulness and our sincerest gratitude for Mamerta
your love, prayers, and support during this difficult
time. You have touched our hearts.
Capistrano Batac
-- The Batac Family
May 11, 1942 - May 3, 2008
 then moved to Houston, Texas in 1979 (Dad was transferred again …), and
The Mass of Resurrection finally, to Baltimore in 1981 (transferred yet again!). Shortly after arriving in
Baltimore, Mom joined the Baltimore V.A. Medical Center, where she would
for work for 20 years. Mom and Dad raised their family in Baltimore and
Mamerta Capistrano Batac enjoyed numerous family milestones, such as Dad’s retirements from the
Coast Guard and from the State Highway Administration, Mom’s retirement
from the V.A. after a 38-year nursing career, Melani’s graduation from
Thursday, May 8, 2008 Loyola College, Melisa’s graduation from Towson University, Alan’s
graduation from the University of Maryland, the weddings of their two
9:30 am
daughters and the outstanding athletic career of their son. They frequently
visited family and friends all over the U.S. and in the Philippines and hosted
St. Joseph Church COUNTLESS parties at their home.
8420 Belair Road Mom’s first grandchild, Olivia, was born to Melani and husband, Chris,
Baltimore, Maryland 21236 in 1999. During late 2000, Mom was diagnosed with an advanced stage of
ovarian cancer. The diagnosis came a few weeks before Melisa’s
Main Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Erlito Ebron wedding, but Mom kept it from the family until after the honeymoon, as she
didn’t want to dampen anyone’s spirits during this joyful time. A few weeks
after the family returned from the honeymoon (yes, Melisa and her
Co-Celebrants: husband, Mike, invited all of us to join them on their honeymoon cruise!!),
Fr. Kevin Schenning Mom underwent surgery and started an aggressive series of chemotherapy
Fr. Joseph Bejgrowicz Fr. Rene Mangahas treatments. Mom’s determination, courage and faith allowed her to
Fr. Louis Olive Fr. Clarito Jundis overcome the disease and enjoy the birth of her second grandchild, Cole
(son of Melani and Chris), in late 2001. After witnessing the birth of her
Deacon Dean Lopata Deacon John Baltus third grandchild, Caleb (son of Melisa and Mike), in late 2002, the disease
returned. Mom bravely battled again, undergoing numerous chemotherapy
Greeters: treatments. Two more grandchildren, Sophia (Melani and Chris) and
Theresa Hardee Rowena Ramilo Jordyn (Melisa and Mike) were born during 2005. Mom renewed her battle
with the disease during 2006, but was well enough to host first birthday
parties for Sophia and Jordyn, a tradition that all of her children and
Ushers: grandchildren have enjoyed. Other highlights have been cruises to Alaska,
Rodolfo Encomienda Leandro Alhambra the Caribbean, and Central America, and a vacation to Orlando, Florida
with her grandchildren. An important focal point during the past eight years
Pallbearers: has been Mom’s and Dad’s loyal participation in the Joy in the Spirit Prayer
Alan Batac Christopher Abadilla Group. Their friends in this group have provided tremendous support, faith
and friendship which have helped them overcome and enjoy the difficult
Christopher Johnson Reynante Chavez
times when fighting her disease. Mom and Dad have traveled with their
Michael White Romeo Ramilo prayer group friends for pilgrimages to places such as Mexico City and
JR Manalad William Bell Medugorje, Croatia. Despite Mom’s persistent illness, she and Dad have
served as Eucharistic Ministers at St. Joseph’s Parish, St. John’s
Presentation of Gifts: Evangelist Church and Misa Ng Sanbayan at the Church of the
Melani Johnson Melisa White Alan Batac Annunciation. Sadly, the disease returned a fourth time during 2007 and
the experimental treatments that were attempted proved ineffective in
Olivia Johnson Cole Johnson Caleb White stopping the disease. Despite the advancing disease, Mom maintained a
Sophia Johnson Jordyn White positive outlook and continued to enjoy her time with family and friends
until late April. Mom’s strength, courage and determination are an example
Remarks and Remembrance: for us all.
Melisa White
Mom.....We love you so much!.....You will be in our hearts forever!
Christopher Johnson With Love, Danny, Melani, Melisa, Alan, Chris, Mike, Olivia, Cole,
Caleb, Sophia and Jordyn
 OPENING HYMN
AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found Was blind but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come

‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus afar And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures

Mamerta Abadilla Capistrano was born May 11, 1942, the fifth of nine He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
children of Dionisio and Constancia Capistrano. She was born at the
family home in Barrio Nangka, Tayabas, Quezon Province, Philippines.
The family was not wealthy, but what it lacked in material possessions was
more than offset by the closeness of a loving family. Mom enjoyed her
youth surrounded by six sisters (Tarcela, Bibiana, Nilda, Luz, Anselma and INTRODUCTORY RITES
Josefita) and two brothers (Meling and Ireneo). After graduating high
school in 1958, Mom left Tayabas and went to Manila to study pre-nursing In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
at Far Eastern University. She then went to Cabanatuan to attend nursing Spirit.
school at the Central Luzon Nursing Association. After much hard work, Amen.
she graduated in 1963 as a member of the school’s first graduating class. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the
The next three years were spent as a nurse apprentice in Manila and
Laguna. In February 1966, Mom was selected as one of only 19 nurses to
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
go to Ontario, Canada to work in various hospitals in the Kingston and And also with you.
Toronto areas. Fortunately for all of us, one of Mom’s fellow nurses had an
uncle in the United States Coast Guard, and Mom joined her friend for a
visit to Connecticut during the summer of 1966. During that visit, Mom met SPRINKLING WITH HOLY WATER
a handsome, young Coast Guard sailor named Danny. It was love at first
sight! Dad became a constant visitor to Ontario whenever he was able to In the water of baptism Mamerta became God’s daughter
get a break from his Coast Guard responsibilities. For these two years,
together with Christ. With Christ who died on the cross, may
Mom worked in Kingston and Toronto, while Dad was stationed in New
London, Connecticut and Baltimore. Finally, on June 15, 1968, the happy Mamerta go with Christ to new life. May she now share with Christ
couple was married at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto. eternal glory.
The newlyweds then moved to Elizabeth City, North Carolina where
their first daughter, Melani, was born in late 1969. They made lifelong
friends, many of whom are here with us today, nearly 40 years later. PLACING OF THE PALL
During this time Mom and Dad filed petitions for their siblings to join them
in America and also sent money home to the Philippines to help their
Mamerta, when you were baptized, you received the new life of
families. As a result, all of Mom’s sisters ultimately emigrated to the U.S.
Three of them lived with Mom and Dad upon arrival. The young family was Jesus and you were given the new dignity which you are now proud
relocated to Chesapeake, Virginia in 1971, and then to Norfolk, Virginia to bring before the Lord. May the Lord smile at you and welcome
and finally to Southern California in 1973, all courtesy of the United States you to His eternal life.
government (Dad was transferred!). Their second daughter, Melisa, was
born in 1974 and their son, Alan, was born in 1978. The growing family
OPENING PRAYER
God, to whom mercy and forgiveness belong, hear our prayers
on behalf of your servant Mamerta, whom you have called out of
this world; and because she put her hope and trust in you,
command that she be carried safely home to heaven and come to
enjoy your eternal reward.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
FIRST READING
A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes
There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every affair under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;
A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the
timeless into their hearts, without men’s ever discovering, from
beginning to end, the work which God has done.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
RECESSIONAL HYMN
HINDI KITA MALILIMUTAN
(I Will Never Forget You)
Hindi kita malilimutan Hindi kita pababayaan
Nakaukit magpakailanman Sa 'king palad ang 'yong pangalan
Malilimutan ba ng ina Ang anak na galing sa kanya
Sanggol sa kanyang sinapupunan Paano niyang matatalikdan
Ngunit kahit na malimutan Ng ina ang anak niyang tangan
Chorus: Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Malilimutan ba ng ina Ang anak na galing sa kanya
Sanggol sa kanyang sinapupunan Paano niyang matatalikdan
Ngunit kahit na malimutan Ng ina ang anak niyang tangan
Chorus: Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan Hindi kita malilimutan
Kailanma'y di pababayaan Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di
pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di... Kailanma'y di... Pababayaan
SAAN KA MAN NAROROON
(Wherever You Are)
Saan ka man naroroon sinta Pag-ibig kong wagas
Ang 'yong nadarama Kailan pa man
Sa iyo'y lilimot Pusong uhaw sa iyong pag-ibig
Saan ka man naroroon sinta Pangarap ko'y ikaw
Pagkat mahal kita Asahan mong sa habang panahon
Ala-ala kita Saan ka man naroroon
Asahan mong sa habang panahon
Ala-ala kita Saan ka man naroroon
 PSALM

Response:
Yahweh, I know you are near,
standing always at my side.
CONCLUDING RITE You guard me from the foe,
and you lead me in ways everlasting.
With faith in Jesus Christ, we must reverently bury the body of
Mamerta. Let us pray with confidence to God, in whose sight all Lord, you have searched my heart,
creation lives, that He will raise up in holiness and power the mortal and you know when I sit and when I stand.
body of our sister and command her soul to be numbered among Your hand is upon me protecting me from death,
the blessed. keeping me from harm.
May God grant her a merciful judgment, deliverance from ( Response)
death, and pardon of sin. May Christ the Good Shepherd carry her
home to be at peace with the Father. May she rejoice forever in the Where can I run from Your love?
presence of the eternal King and in the company of all the Saints. If I climb to the heavens You are there;
If I fly to the sunrise or sail beyond the sea,
still I'd find You there.
( Response)
SONG OF FAREWELL
(to be recited by all while the coffin is being incensed) You know my heart and its ways,
you who formed me before I was born
I know that my redeemer lives: in the secret of darkness before I saw the sun
On the last day I shall rise again. in my mother's womb.
And in my flesh I shall see God. ( Response)
I shall see Him myself, face to face;
And my own eyes shall behold my Savior.
And in my flesh I shall see God.
Within my heart this hope I cherish:
That in my flesh I shall see God.
SECOND READING
And in my flesh I shall see God.
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans

May the angels lead you, Mamerta, to paradise. May the
martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the
new and eternal Jerusalem.
And may Almighty God bless you and all of us.
In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
In peace let us take Mamerta to her place of rest.
Brothers and sisters:
If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his
own Son but handed him over for us all, will he not also give us
everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against
God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn?
It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the
right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate
us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress or persecution,
or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
No, in all these things, we conquer overwhelmingly through him
who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor
powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to
separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The word of the Lord. This is the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the
Thanks be to God sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word
and I shall be healed.
GOSPEL

The Lord be with you. COMMUNION HYMN

And also with you.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
ANIMA CHRISTI
Glory to you, Lord.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and
Body of Christ, save me
after he sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
them, saying:
Passion of Christ, give me strength
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
Hear me Jesus, hide me in Thy wounds
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
That I may never leave Thy side
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me
Blessed are the meek,
And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to Thee
for they will inherit the land.
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints forever
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, Lord God, may the death and resurrection of Christ which we
for they will be called children of God. celebrate in this Eucharist bring our beloved Mamerta the peace of
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of your eternal home. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
righteousness, Amen.
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because
of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”
REMARKS OF REMEMBRANCE

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord, Jesus Christ.

Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all
glory and honor is yours Almighty Father, forever and ever.
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, amen. . .
Jesus taught us to call God our Father, and so we have the
courage to sing:
Our Father, who Art in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done
On earth, as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
Deliver us Lord from every evil, and grant us peace in our day.
In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety
as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.
For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now
and forever. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: “I leave you
peace, my peace I give you.” Look not on our sins but on the faith
of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom,
where you live forever and ever.
Amen.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Let us offer each other the sign of peace.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
Have mercy on us
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
Have mercy on us
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
Grant us peace
HOMILY
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and
sits at the right hand of the Father where he intercedes for his
Church. Confident that God hears the voices of those who trust in
the Lord Jesus, we join our prayers to his:
In baptism Mamerta received the light of Christ. Scatter the
darkness now and lead her over the waters of death.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Our sister Mamerta was nourished at the table of the Savior.
Welcome her into the halls of the heavenly banquet.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Many friends and members of our families have gone before us
and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with
your Son.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Many people die by violence, war, and famine each day. Show
your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against
your love, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give
refreshment, rest, and peace to all whose faith is known to you
alone.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
The family and friends of Mamerta seek comfort and
consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and
doubt that come from grief.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our
sister Mamerta. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the
expectation of your Son’s coming.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
 Lord God, giver of peace and healer of souls, hear the prayers
of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the voices of your people,
whose lives were purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Forgive the
sins of all who sleep in Christ and grant them a place in the
kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
OFFERTORY HYMN
TAKE AND RECEIVE
Take and receive, O Lord, my liberty
Take all my will, my mind, my memory
All things I hold and all I own are Thine
Thine was the gift, to Thee I all resign
Refrain:
Do Thou direct and govern all and sway
Do what Thou wilt, command, and I obey
Only Thy grace, Thy love on me bestow
These make me rich, all else will I forego.
Repeat Refrain
Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation. Through Your
goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and
human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God, forever.
Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation. Through Your
goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of
human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.
Blessed be God, forever.
Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the
sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord, with all humility we bring this offering. Let this be a
sacrifice of praise, a fitting worship to purify us all and bring
Mamerta to eternal life. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.
PREFACE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
Father all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and
everywhere to give you thanks and praise, through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Death is just reward for our sins, yet, when at last we die, your
loving kindness calls us back to life in company with Christ, whose
victory is our redemption.
Our hearts are joyful, for we have seen your salvation, and now
with the angels and saints we praise you forever singing:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord
God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the Highest
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna, Hosanna on high.

Pray brethren that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God our Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.
Almighty Father.
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the Christ has died
praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all Christ has risen
his Church. Christ will come again.