Nicholas McWilliams
Nicholas McWilliams was a special soul. Unfortunately, Nicholas was with us for only 27 years of his young life but what he left behind will be treasured for years to come.
Nicholas McWilliams made a tremendous impact to those around him as evidenced from the more than 450 people who attended his funeral services. Also, in attendance where those who traveled from nearby states, as well as ten close friends he knew from when he lived in Medjugorje, Bosnia, five priests, two deacons, and altar servers who celebrated the Mass.
Nicholas was one of many who succumbed to drug addiction, and even with a strong faith in God, Nicholas battled this addiction for more than 13 years. His mother, Karen, shared that “Nick had a heart of gold and a love for life” and that “Nick’s faith in God deepened and we will always hold in our hearts the good memories of the short time he was with us.”
Fr. Hobson, a close friend of Nicolas and who gave the homily at his services, shared that “Nick was a wonderful young man with a kind and sensitive heart who would have literally given the shirt off his back to help anyone he could. He is greatly missed, especially in the church office by his co-workers. “
Although Nicholas was only employed by Napoli Management for a short period at the Randolph McDonald’s, he was considered part of the Napoli Management Family Team. He remains in our hearts as we at Napoli Management are truly dedicated to working with those who suffer from addictions and depression. We invite you to learn more about our involvement in the community where we also share inspirational stories of faith and healing.
In addition, we share on behalf of Nicholas’s family, a link to Our Lady of The Lake Church to which they requested any donations following Nicholas’s services be made in lieu of flowers: https://ourladyofthelakehalifax.org/
Nicholas McWilliam's Obituary
Nicholas “Nick” Francis McWilliams
January 27th, 1992 – February 27th, 2019
Nick McWilliams of Halifax, MA was called home by God at the age of 27. He will be forever missed by his parents, Frank and Karen McWilliams and his sister, Mary McWilliams of Whitman, MA. Grandson to Frank X. McWilliams Jr., of Hull and predeceased by Patricia {Calvi) McWilliams.
Grandson to Carol A. Swanson of Whitman and predeceased by Joel A. Swanson. Nephew to Joel & Sharon (predeceased) Swanson of Marlborough, Cheryl(God-mother) & David Blanchard of Kingston, John & Julie Swanson of Middleboro, Michael {God-father) & Lisa Swanson of Hingham, Patricia & Daniel Driscoll of Whitman, Kathleen McWilliams & Brian Amero of Amesbury, Richard & Hosana McWilliams of Pulaski, VA and many great aunts/uncles and loving cousins.
Nick was an amazing young man who deserved the life he won’t get the chance to live. We believed, as we always did that he would overcome his disease and make a good life for himself. Despite Nick’s own battle, he always had time to lift someone else’s spirit up with encouragement and support. Nick’s love and compassion for others was not lost on those who knew him.
He always had a smile on his face and loved the company of people. He thrived on good conversation, engaging in creative and interesting ideas, was an entrepreneur at heart, and was a hard worker and a kind soul. He was genuine and always interested to hear about what was going on in everyone’s life.
Nick appreciated and enjoyed life. He especially loved his dog Noah, fishing, canoeing, camping, swimming, zip-lining, gardening, traveling, cooking, movies, and landscape design. He was a proud owner of Ecoscape Enterprises LLC Landscaping & Lawn Care. Nick attended Bridgewater State University. He also loved music and was a talented drummer. Nick was so much more than can ever be captured in words. Nick had a good and generous heart and we will all miss him terribly.
Nick found that his greatest strength during his struggles was his faith and love for God. No matter how many paths Nick was on over the years, he always ended back on the sure path of God, bringing him back to purpose, hope, and light. Nick was especially proud to have worked as the Collaborative Social Media Outreach/Fund Development Coordinator for Our Lady of the Lake, Halifax and St Joseph the Worker, Hanson parishes.
When you see Nick only through the eyes of addiction, you stop seeing Nick and who he really was. The true Nick was a beautiful person, someone who loved life, family, friends, and his God.
Those struggling with drug addiction know every new day is a gift and ever present hope for recovery. Every life is profound and precious. May we all have open eyes and hearts, as Nick did, to help those suffering from addiction. In this way, Nick’s life continues to live on with dignity and purpose.
Mass of Christian Burial Booklet
NICHOLAS F. McWILLIAMS FUNERAL MASS READING & PRAYERS
FIRST READING
A Reading from the book of Ecclesiastes (Ecc 3:1-11)
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.
What advantage has the worker from his toil?
I have considered the task which God has appointed for men to be busied about.
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
SECOND READING
A reading from the book of Revelation (Rev 21:1-5a, 6b-7)
I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and
the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out
of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her
husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Be-
hold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell
with them and they will be his people and God himself will
always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear
from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourn-
ing, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.”
The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all
things new. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning
and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring
of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I
shall be his God, and he will be my son.”
The Word of the Lord.
GOSPEL The Parable of the Lost Sheep
A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew (Matt 18:10-14)
See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.
The Word of the Lord
GENERAL INTERCESSIONS
Brother 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 Nick received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead him over the waters of death.
Lord, in your mercy:
(Hear our prayer)
Our brother Nick was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome him into the halls of the heavenly banquet.
Lord, in your mercy:
(Hear our prayer)
We pray for our members of our families and friends who have gone before us and await the kingdom, especially Patricia McWilliams, Joel Swanson, Sharon Swanson, and those of the Cenacolo community. 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 Nick 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 brother Nick. 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.