Jesus said to her, "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die."
(John 11:25-26)
At the centre of our Catholic beliefs about death is the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ (His Passion, Death & Resurrection), that mystery which includes life here and hereafter and our own hope of resurrection. Therefore the actions of a Catholic community when one of its members dies must as clearly as possible proclaim this central mystery. Particularly is this true when the community gathers to pray for the deceased and to support with its faith, hope, and love the grieving family and friends.
The funeral liturgy is first and foremost an act of praise and thanksgiving for Christ's victory over sin and death, a proclamation of the paschal mystery. This act of worship belongs to the whole community, to the whole church, and not to any individual or group. Any elements that do not give expression to this act of worship are not acceptable in a Catholic funeral. Please review the guidelines below for information about the order of Catholic funerals, funeral music, prayer vigils, eulogies, cremation, etc.
(Borrowed with modifications from the Diocesan Guidelines for Funerals and Eulogies, linked below.)
Please contact the Parish Office via email or phone for more information.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)