The death of a loved one can be one of the most spiritually difficult experiences. It is a time where we recognize the importance of honoring our loved one, praying for their soul and for the consolation of the family. The Rite of Christian Burial which guides the Catholic celebrations of funerals provides families with options. Sometimes, due to an illness, the family has already established a spiritual relationship with the Priest, in other cases, the family is calling after the experience of death. In either case, it is helpful to know that the Priest can help the family prepare for the rites associated with Christian Burial. The basic lines of the celebrations follow three movements:
1. The Vigil also known as the wake or the visitation, usually occurs the night before at the funeral home. The family gathers in the presence of their loved one. After greeting visitors and family members, the Priest or Deacon concludes the evening with the Vigil prayers.
2. The Funeral is held in the church and usually consists of a greeting of the body or remains at the front of the church. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for the reposition of the loved one's soul and for the consolation of the family.
3. The Burial should take place as soon as time permits. While it is preferred by the church to bury the body, the church does permit cremation. The practice of separating the remains or scattering the remains is not encouraged by the church because our belief in the resurrection of the body.
4. In the meetings with the Priest, the family chooses the readings for the funeral Mass. There is a general norm published by the Bishop which encourages family comments or Eulogies to be given either at the grave side or at the Vigil service. The purpose of this norm is to keep the celebration of the Mass faithful to the liturgy of the Church.
5. During the meeting with the Priest, you will also select music and determine if the assistance of the Comfort Committee would be of assistance to your family and friends. The members of the Comfort Committee provide a light reception which usually follows the burial.
6. If we may be of assistance in helping you through a difficult time of loss, please call one of the Priests and know of our prayers for your consolation and support.
#216 Amazing Grace
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…
#235 Be Not Afraid
You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst….
#240 Behold the Lamb
Behold, behold the Lamb of God. All who eat, all who drink shall live;…
#244 Blest Are They
Blest are they the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of God….
#293 Eye Has Not Seen
Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love Him…
#340 Here I Am, Lord
I the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry….
#350 How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds thy hand have made…
#354 I Am the Bread of Life
I am the bread of life, you who come to me shall not hunger…
#355 I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down…
#356 I Know That My Redeemer Lives
I know that my Redeemer lives! What joy that blessed assurance gives.
#360 In Paradisum/May Choirs of Angels
In paradísum dedúcant te ángeli: May choirs of angels escort you into paradise…
#373 Jerusalem, My Happy Home
Jerusalem, my happy home, when shall I come to thee?
#377 Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All, How can I love thee as I ought?
#380 Jesus, Lord, Have Mercy
Jesus, Lord, have mercy on the souls so blest, who in faith gone from us now in death find rest.
#382 Jesus, Remember Me
Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom…
#386 Joyful, Joyful We Adore You
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee God of glory Lord of love…
#398 Lift High the Cross
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, till all the world adore his sacred name.
#406 Lord of All Hopefulness
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy…
#411 Lux Aeterna
Lux aetérna lúceat eis Dómine: Light eternal shine on them, O Lord…
#416 Merciful Savior, Hear Our Humble Prayer
Merciful Savior, hear our humble prayer, for all your servants passed beyond life’s care…
#420 My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
My shepherd will supply my need, the Lord God is his name…
#446 O God, Our Help in Ages Past
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home…
#452 O Jesus, We Adore Thee
O Jesus, we adore thee, who, in thy love divine, conceal thy mighty Godhead in forms of bread and wine. O Sacrament most holy, o sacrament divine…
#477 On Eagle’s Wings
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in his shadow for life….
#490 Panis Angelicus
Panis angélicus: Bread of angels…
#502 Prayer of St. Francis
Make me a channel of your peace…
#507 Requiem Aeternam
Réquiem aetérnam dona eis: Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord…
#514 Salve Regina
Salve, Regína, mater misericórdiae: Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy…
#522 Shepherd of Souls, Refresh and Bless
Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless your chosen pilgrim flock…
#564 The King of Love
The King of love my shepherd is…