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When a loved one dies, this is a most trying time. We are committed to
help as much as we can and make this period of grieving not a burden but a
spiritual encounter with God as well as an encounter of human consolation.
Please contact our office if we can be of service.
For the funeral readings please click here
The Church has endeavored in its revisions of the liturgy to be sensitive to
God's presence with people in their times of desperation and suffering, as well
as in their hopes and dreams for new life. The rite itself has changed as
recently as 1985 with the New Order of Christian Funerals. We celebrate the
funeral rites to offer worship, praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a
life which has now been returned to God.
A CELEBRATION IN THREE STATIONS
The Christian funeral is comprised of three ritual moments. The Vigil is
normally the first gathering of the community after the death of a Christian. At
the Vigil the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer and
finds strength in Christ's presence. The active participation of all present
helps them express their consolation, therefore the structure of the Vigil is
such that everyone, including our friends and family who are not members of our
faith, can pray together through Scripture and song. The Vigil Liturgy, an
official rite of the Church, should not be excluded in favor of a private
devotion such as the recitation of the Rosary. When many of the mourners are not
Catholic, the rosary is most inappropriate as it excludes them. It is possible
to incorporate the Rosary (or a portion of it) into the Vigil; or it may be
recited privately by anyone who so desires. The Vigil is celebrated the evening
prior to the Funeral Liturgy. Eulogies are a good way of remembering the
deceased; the Vigil is an excellent time to recount the life of the beloved who
has passed away - this is the appropriate time for a Eulogy.
The Funeral Liturgy is the principal liturgical celebration of the Church
for the deceased. It can take the form of the "Funeral
Mass" or the "Funeral Liturgy outside Mass."
Funeral Masses are to be celebrated in the Church; Funeral Liturgies outside of
Mass can be celebrated at the Funeral Parlor.
The Rite of Committal is the final ritual moment of the Church's
Christian Funeral. "Whenever possible, the rite of committal is to be
celebrated at the site of committal, that is, beside the open grave or place of
interment, rather than at the cemetery chapel" (OCF, 204).
ROLE OF MUSIC
As with any liturgical celebration, music is an integral part of all the funeral
rites. "Music allows the community to express convictions and feeling that
words alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the
mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love. The
texts of the songs chosen for a particular celebration should express the
paschal mystery of the Lord's suffering death, and triumph over death, and
should be related to the readings from Scriptures" (OCF, 30). The music
played or sung at the service must be liturgically appropriate. Please contact
the Parish Office, we will be happy to arrange for musicians to be present
(541-567-5812). The ministry provided by competent cantors, choirs, and
instrumentalists is very much desired by all involved.
ROLE OF THE CHURCH COMMUNITY
In addition to consoling mourners with words of faith and support and acts of
kindness, the community's "ministry of consolation is expressed in its active
participation in the celebration of the funeral rites" (OCF, 11). Therefore
every effort should be made to invite their full participation in sung
responses, hymns and prayers. In the rites, "laymen and laywomen may serve as
readers, ushers, ministers of the Eucharist." Family members or friends may
sometimes perform these responsibilities, if trained and with the approval of
the priest.
PLANNING THE DETAILS
The Church understands that this is a difficult time for the loved ones of the
deceased. Our parish will make every effort to assist the family of the
deceased.
LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT
The liturgical season, (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Times) set
the mood and the atmosphere for the Church decor. "The funeral rites should
be celebrated in an atmosphere of simple beauty, in a setting that encourages
participation" (OCF, 24). Liturgical symbols and signs such as the Easter
Candle, Holy Water, Incense and the Pall (placed over the casket in Church) all
affirm our Christian belief and hope in the Paschal Mystery. Fresh flowers, can
enhance the setting of the funeral rites. A maximum of two (2) standing flower
arrangements are allowed in the Church. A Pall is used to cover the casket -
therefore no flower arrangement will be permitted on the casket after the pall
has been placed on the casket. Only Christian symbols may rest on or be placed
near the coffin during the funeral rites.
CONDUCT IN CHURCH
The Church is a place of worship where we gather to worship the living God. It
is expected that one respects this and conducts oneself in a manner that will
not disrupt the sacredness of this holy place. Please refrain from talking; no
gum - no candy - no drink (this includes water) and no food is to be brought
into the Church. All cell phones and pagers must be turned off or put on
vibrate. For your convenience, restrooms are located outside the Church in the
Ministry Center, ground floor. If you have young children with you, the
children’s room is located to the left of the entrance of the Church; feel free
to use it.
RECEPTIONS
We will be happy to arrange a reception after the funeral; just let us know if
you desire gather your family and friends in our parish hall. |
