"The celebration of the Christiam funeral brings hope and consolation to the living. While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them God's mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis." (Order of Christan funerals #7)

I'd like to extend a word of prayerful sympathy to all those who have lost a loved one, and have begun the process of preparing for the funeral rites. Regardless of their age or the circumstances of their passing, a loved ones death is a moment of great sadness. The funeral rites remind us, "if one member suffers in the body of Christ which is the Church, all members suffer with that member." (Order of Christian Funerals #8) Know of our support during this difficult time. 

Typically the funeral home will contact the church to schedule dates and times of the various funeral rites. After speaking with the funeral home, we invite you to read through the following page (Rite of Christian Burial). It is meant to serve as a guide to assist you in the planning process. 

In her wisdom, the Church offers us three steps or principal moments of the Rite of Christian Burial: the vigil, the funeral Mass, and the committal. 
The Vigil
Sometimes known as the Wake, the Vigil for the Deceased draws together the Christian community alongside the family who begins the mourning process. Here, the priest offers the vigil prayers, and the family has an occasion to receive the prayerful supports of many in the community. This vigil typically takes place the evening before the Mass. 

The Funeral Liturgy
The funeral liturgy is the central celebration for the deceased. Whenever possible. this should take the form of a funeral Mass in the church. If for a serious reason a funeral Mass cannot be celebrated (on a holy day of obligation, during the Easter triduum, etc.) a memorial Mass should be schedule after the fact for the response of their soul.
For those family members or friends that are practicing Catholics and would feel comfortable doing so, you are most welcome to participate by proclaiming one or both of the readings before the proclamation of the gospel. In addition, it is customary for the family to choose which readings you would like to be proclaimed. please click the Link below for a list of readings. The family is to choose one Old Testament reading, and one New Testament reading. During the Easter season, two New Testament reading are to be selected. 

In addition, two relatives or friends are invited to present the gifts of bread and wine at the preparation of the altar. The priest celebrant will invite those persons to come forward by name at the appropriate time. 

Finally, the family is invited to choose from the following selection of music for  the funeral Mass. Please click on the music link below.

The Committal (Burial)
The Church offers is this very consoling reminder as we pay our last respects to our loved ones, "Lord Jesus Christ, by your own three days in the tomb you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies." (Rite of CHristian funeral #226) Following the crucifixion on Good Friday, the disciples and the Blessed Mother laid Jesus to rest in a new rock hewn tomb, wrapped him in a linen cloth. The burial of a loved one is a sign of great respect and dignity. Like those disciples, we can both look forward to the resurrection with great hope, and lay our loved ones to rest in a respectful way.