Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde and the priests of the diocese joined parishioners of St. Mark Church in Vienna and family and friends to pay final respects last week to Msgr. Thomas J. Cassidy, who passed away Oct. 1.

The simple pine casket was moved from the chapel, where Msgr. Cassidy’s body was lying in repose, to the back of the sanctuary. Bishop Loverde blessed the casket, a pall was placed over it and a procession of priests escorted the body to the front of the church for the funeral Mass.

The homily was given by Father Patrick Holroyd, pastor of St. Mark.

“Thomas was ready for this,” said Father Holroyd. “He may have wanted a little more time, but he’s OK.”

Father Holroyd said that we all look forward to that place prepared for us, and that our future is in God’s hands.

Per Msgr. Cassidy’s request, the passing of priests of the diocese was acknowledged by printing the entire necrology in the back of the funeral Mass program.

Father Holroyd said that having Msgr. Cassidy at St. Mark for 16 years was a great blessing for the parish.

“He loved helping others,” he said.

“I’m OK. Please be OK, because he’s OK,” Father Holroyd concluded.

Bishop Loverde gave a final tribute to Msgr. Cassidy.

“Tonight is a time of profound gratitude,” said the bishop. “Gratitude to the Lord for calling Msgr. Cassidy to be a priest.”

Even though the diocese is relatively young, Bishop Loverde said that one by one our priests are being called to the Lord.

“Our brother has not gone away. He has gone ahead. May he rest in peace,” he said.

Priests of the diocese, dressed in white, escorted Msgr. Cassidy’s body out of the church to the waiting hearse quietly singing “Salve Regina,” and lifted the body of their brother and gently placed the casket into the hearse.

A private interment will be held later.