Mass of Christian Burial
In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity. Christ “achieved his task of redeeming humanity and giving perfect glory to God, principally by the paschal mystery of his blessed passion, resurrection from the dead, and glorious ascension.”
The community’s principal involvement in the ministry of consolation is expressed in its active participation in the celebration of the funeral rites, particularly the vigil for the deceased, the funeral liturgy, and the rite of committal. For this reason, these rites should be scheduled at times that permit as many of the community as possible to be present. (taken from the General Introduction to the Order of Christian Funerals)
The Parish Community of Saint Lawrence has a rich tradition of the ministry of consolation as we walk with our brothers and sisters on their grief and bereavement journey. The following is a process that you may follow in the event of the death of your loved one.
- Call our parish office prior to death for a Sacramental Anointing or for the Pastor to come for prayers and a blessing of the body after the death has occurred.
- After calling your preferred Funeral Director, call the parish office (448-2122) and set up an appointment to meet with our Director of Music/Worship to make arrangements for the Funeral Liturgy.
- Make sure our parish office has the contact information for the person of contact for the deceased.
The Director of Music/Worship will meet with the family prior to death and help make arrangements for the Funeral Liturgy. This planning BEFORE DEATH helps the family at the time of death and removes some of the pressure of detail and preparations.