Funeral Preparation
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The funeral liturgy of the Church “celebrates the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Those who in baptism have become one with the dead and risen Christ will pass with him from death to life, to be purified in soul and welcomed into the fellowship of the saints in heaven. They look forward in blessed hope to his second coming and the bodily resurrection of the dead. The Church celebrates the eucharistic sacrifice of Christ’s passover for the dead, and offers prayers and petitions for them In the communion of all Christ’s members, the prayers which bring spiritual help to some may bring to others a consoling hope.”
—from the Introduction to the Rite of Funerals
"The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)
These words of God remind us that even though death suggests God abandons us, we know that He accompanies us in our sadness. If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, may God's loving consolation be with you. Please be assured of our prayers for you and your deceased loved one.
Why funerals are important to Christians:
The funeral liturgy celebrates the Paschal Mystery (death and Resurrection of Jesus) and the Christian belief in life everlasting. The funeral is centered upon the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the Eucharist, accompanied by liturgical music, to direct the hearts and minds of those present to God. Our prayer focuses on giving thanks to God, interceding for our deceased loved one, and aksing God to help us in our Christian journey. The funeral liturgy recalls the foundation of the Christian life being Baptism. It is through Baptism that God makes us Children of God and offers to us the gift of eternal life.
Why do we bring our deceased loved ones to Church?
One of the identities of the Church is that of being 'Mother.' As mothers impart life, nourish, guide an accompany their children, so the Church does for each of us. The Church brings each of us to new life in Baptism. As 'mother' during the journey of this life the Church nurtures this new life in Christ through the Sacaraments, teaching, and opening of the Word. When the Lord calls one of our loved ones from this life to Himself, the Church knows her role to accompany our deceased loved ones by commending them God with the celebration of the Eucharist and our communal prayer.
"I am not sure how to go about preparing for a funeral."
That is okay. You are in the same place as most people who have lost a loved one. It is our hope that your preparation for the funeral can be an opportunity for you to be closer to God and to help your loved one.We have created a funeral book to assist in the planning of the Funeral Mass. There are two links.
1) The Funeral planning sheet for listing your selections.
2) Funeral book lists the options for readings, music, and prayers.
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