INTRO TO FUNERAL PLANNING

The funeral liturgy of the Church “celebrates the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Those who in baptism have become one with the dead and risen Christ will pass with him from death to life, to be purified in soul and welcomed into the fellowship of the saints in heaven. They look forward in blessed hope to his second coming and the bodily resurrection of the dead. The Church celebrates the eucharistic sacrifice of Christ’s passover for the dead, and offers prayers and petitions for them In the communion of all Christ’s members, the prayers which bring spiritual help to some may bring to others a consoling hope.”  —from the Introduction to the Rite of Funerals

The funeral liturgy celebrates the Paschal Mystery and the Christian belief in life everlasting through Word, Sacrament and music. It has its focus in baptism by which one is made a child of God forever and is dramatized in the Easter Vigil and its celebration of the passage through death to new life, where Jesus has led the way.

The funeral Mass, as with all liturgies, is a communal celebration of worship and should involve all those present. The funerals of Catholics occur in the parish church, the community’s “family home” where their lives of worship have centered. In this setting, singing is encouraged, as well as participation in the prayers. When we respond "AMEN" - we attest to our belief and faith in the Lord.

The purpose of this online resource is to help you preparing for the funeral liturgy of your loved one. This website is divided into several sections to aid you in your preparation.

We suggest that you find some time and a quiet place so you can pray and reflect when reviewing the Scripture passages and music suggestions presented here.

To help the assembly better participate in the funeral Mass, some families choose to provide a worship aide to guide participants. While this is encouraged, Sts. Mary & Joseph Collaborative do not provide this service.