Presented by Father Sylvanus

When a Catholic dies, the Church celebrates a particular set of liturgical rites to help us thorough the immediate days of our grieving, to express our belief in eternal life, and to help us pray for the one who has died. These rites are organized into what is called the Order of Christian Funerals, which contains all the liturgical prayers, scripture readings, and blessings for use immediately following the death of a member of the Church. The Order provides prayers for loved ones as they gather in the presence of the body, for the wake service, funeral, final commendation (prayer of farewell), and the Rite of Committal (which we celebrate at the place of burial, entombment, or cremation).  This will help you bring order to these days of hard transition and deep sorrow by helping you take part in planning the Funeral Mass for your loved one.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: The parish priest is to be contacted before the family makes any arrangements with a funeral director.  Family members are also asked to meet with the priest to prepare for the Funeral liturgy.