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Funerals
No matter how long or short the illness; no matter how young or old our loved one, death always startles us. No matter how it has been anticipated, death always surprises us. And so we journey together, trying to acknowledge the death which still seems unreal, and trying to comfort each other with the faith which is ours in Christ. We believe that through Baptism we have died with Him and that through Him we shall know the fullness of life for all eternity.

The Order of Christian Funerals as observed by the Catholic Church -- from the vigil service at the wake, to the celebration of the Funeral Mass, the final commendation and burial -- is a Journey of Faith. In this ritual, we give our beloved dead to the Lord and support and console each other through our faith. We encourage you, as you walk this journey, to participate in the Funeral Liturgy as fully as you can. The simple but profound ways in which you are encouraged to do so are mentioned below.

1. Placing of the Pall: The funeral pall is a white cover draped over the casket at the beginning of the Funeral Mass. The pall reminds us of the white garment given to us at our Baptism. It symbolizes our new life in Christ.

Members of the family or friends of the deceased are encouraged to place the pall on the casket. If not done by family or friends, it may be done by designated pall bearers. If cremated remains are brought into the Church, the placing of the pall is omitted.

2. Scripture Readings: The word of God brings hope and consolation. You may choose scripture readings for the Funeral Mass from the Old Testament which speak to your faith and the faith of your loved one. Those who proclaim God's word need to be aware of its meaning and the manner in which it should be proclaimed. If family members or friends are not available to read the scriptures, a lector from the parish will read the passages selected by the family.

3. Funeral Homily and Family Remembrance (Eulogy): The Priest or the Deacon will give a brief homily based on your selections from scripture. To assist the Homilist, it would be helpful if some family members would speak with him about the life of your loved one so that he can better integrate the texts you have chosen, and also the reasons for your choices.

One family member or friend may opt to speak in remembrance of the deceased. This would be an opportunity to give expression to the ways in which the departed has inspired and deepened our faith through his or her life.

This remembrance must be written and shared with the Priest beforehand. The remembrance is ordinarily delivered after Communion.

4. Presentation of Gifts: The Church encourages members of the family or friends to bring to the altar the gifts of bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist.

5. Music: Music in worship affects our feelings and our prayers. Often it gives expression to our inner thoughts. Thus, we encourage you to select Church hymns which will speak of your faith and which will strengthen and console you at this time.

Music appropriate to the Funeral Liturgy can be obtained from our Music Director, Rosalind Mohnsen. If there are other Church hymns which were important to you or your loved one, please speak with us so we can determine the appropriate place for these hymns in the Liturgy.