First, we would like to extend our sincere condolences for your loss. It is never easy to lose a loved one, no matter their age or circumstances. Know that you and your family will be in our prayers. If a loved one has been called home by God please know that our parish is here to serve you, your family, and friends during this time of planning.
All baptized are entitled to the full Rite of Christian Burial. The Rite of Christian Burial is divided into three distinct and important parts:
Ordinarily a priest or deacon will come to the funeral home prior to the public viewing to lead this short service of prayer and scripture. Many people forgo wakes, but it is an important part of the grieving process. You will experience an overwhelming amount of support and the blessing of shared memories.
Eulogies may be shared either at the wake or at the committal at the cemetery, but not during the funeral Mass.
The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. When one of its members dies, the Church encourages the celebration of the funeral liturgy at a Mass. When Mass cannot be celebrated, a funeral liturgy outside Mass can be celebrated at the church or in the funeral home.
At the funeral liturgy, the Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to give praise and thanks to God for Christ’s victory over sin and death, to commend the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion, and to seek strength in the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery. The funeral liturgy, therefore, is an act of worship, and not merely an expression of grief. With that in mind, eulogies are not permitted during the celebration of the mass. We respectfully ask that eulogies be given either during the vigil service or at the commital.
The Rite of Committal, the conclusion of the funeral rite, is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. It should normally be celebrated at the place of committal, that is, beside the open grave or place of interment. In committing the body to its resting place, the community expresses the hope that, with all those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, the deceased awaits the glory of the resurrection. The Rite of Committal is an expression of the communion that exists between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven: the deceased passes with the farewell prayers of the community of believers into the welcoming company of those who need faith no longer, but see God face-to-face.
Please call the parish office if you would like to schedule a funeral or memorial service.
For information about our parish cemetery, you may email the cemetery manager, contact him by phone at 401-782-2711 or visit the cemetery page.