Bereavement and Funerals

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding, surround our family with your love that we may not be overwhelmed by our loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come.  --Order of Christian Funerals

What do I do when my loved one passes away?
The funeral home that you choose will set up an appointment with the family to make all the funeral arrangements.  They will help you establish a time for vistiation, if any, and for the Funeral Liturgy. The Funeral director will contact the parish to verify the time for the Mass.  The Pastor then contacts the parish Bereavement Committee.

What does the Bereavement Committee offer?
A member of the committee will contact the family to help plan the Funeral Liturgy.  This meeting will take place at Church or your home.  We will help plan all aspects of the Liturgy, including the selection of Scripture readings, prayers, and music.  Once the liturgy is planned, the committee will ensure that all is ready at the Church when you arrive for the Mass. Please note that the Church strongly discourages vistiation at the Church--this is best done at the Funeral Home.
The committee can also help plan for a reception after the burial.  Specifics will be discussed during the Liturgy Planning meeting.

Is it necessary to have a Funeral Mass?  What about cremation?
The Funeral Mass is highly encouraged by the Church with the body present.  We can plan for a funeral liturgy outside of Mass; this should be discussed with the Pastor.  Although the Church allows for cremation as long as the proper respect for the body is made with proper burial of the remains following the litrugy, the cremation should, if at all possible, take place after the Mass.

Are there volunteer opportunities with the Bereavement Committee?
If you would like to volunteer to be on a hospitality team to help cook, serve, or make phone calls, you are welcome to join.  Please contact a committee leader using the links on this page.

Our Arimitheans are a group of parishioners who participate in the Funeral Mass, offering support for the family in a prayerful way.  New members are always welcome.