“Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just. The Mass, the memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral.”(Order of Christian Funerals, no. 5).

The Christian funeral is a liturgical celebration of the Church which aims at expressing efficacious communion with the deceased, at the participation in that communion of the community gathered for the funeral, and at the proclamation of eternal life to the community. (cf. CCC 1684) From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead. (cf. CCC 1032)

Our Catholic funeral rites assist everyone in the manner of Catholic mourning and trusting in God’s mercy which is taught by our Holy Faith. Great care must be taken to respect the Church’s belief in the sacredness of the body and the resurrection of the dead as we prepare the body of the deceased for burial. Our prayers and rituals do that and we respectfully follow the discipline of the Church to honor the gift of the person God gave us.

Read more about Catholic Funeral Rites

Please fill out the form below and call the parish office for more details as we work to update the presentation of our policies.

Funeral Rites & Hymns Form.pdf      Funeral Rights & Hymns Online Form