"At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the
waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its
confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing
and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist." (Order of
Christian Funerals, no.4)
The
Catholic funeral rite is divided into several stations, or parts, each with its own purpose. The following is the recommended
structure and use of each station.
Vigil Service (Wake)
"At the vigil, the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer to the God of mercy and finds strength
in Christ's presence" (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 56). The Vigil Service usually takes place during the period
of visitation and viewing at the funeral home. It is a time to remember the life of the deceased and to commend him/her to
God. In prayer we ask God to console us in our grief and give us strength to support one another.
The Vigil Service can take the form of a Service of the Word
with readings from Sacred Scripture accompanied by reflection and prayers. It can also take the form of one of the prayers
of the Office fore the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours. The clergy and your funeral director can assist in planning
such service.
It is most
appropriate, when family and friends are gathered together for visitation, to offer time for recalling the life of the deceased.
For this reason, eulogies are usually encouraged to be done at the funeral home during visitation or at the Vigil Service.
Funeral Liturgy
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 at Mass. When Mass cannot be celebrated, a funeral liturgy outside Mass can be celebrated at the
church.
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
Pascahl Mystery. The funeral liturgy, therefore, is an act of worship, and not merely an expression of grief.
The presiding priest usually chooses the readings.
If you have a special reading you would like to request, please contact the the priest who will be celebrating the Funeral
Mass.
Rite of Committal
(Burial or Internment)
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, this, beside the open grave or place of internment.
In committing the body to its resting place, the community expresses the hope that, with all those who have gone before us
maked with 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.
Music adds a wonderful and spiritual addition
to the Funeral Mass.
Please look over the selection of music by clicking the Funeral Music link
below.
The customary fee for our organist is $100.
Cantors help in the leading and singing of the songs during the Mass.
Our usual funeral
cantors are: Amelia Elias, Rosemary Kresslein, Mary and Mac McPhillips, Monica Neighbors, Bobbie
Terry and David Watson.
Arrangements are made through the office.
Other cantors, musicians or choirs are usually available upon request.
The customary
fee is $100.
Precious Blood will also provide two altar servers.
You may request certain individuals.
The usual fee is $10 per server.
It is also customary to make an offering to the church of $100.
All transactions are handled by the funeral home or directly to Precious Blood.
Funeral Music 2017
Prayers of the Faithful