The death of one whom we love is always a solemn moment that deserves to be marked with the celebration of the most sacred rites of the Church. The way that we treat the end of human life says something about the value we attach to all human life.
We will accommodate those who ask for services at the funeral home. However, such services do not express the fullness of our Catholic Funeral Rites. As the Eucharist is the center of our lives, the celebration of the Mass for those who have died is an important aspect of our celebration of rites to commend the souls of the faithful departed to Almighty God. We have provided you with a sample of a Funeral mass if you are unfamiliar with it.
Should you choose to celebrate Funeral rites at the Funeral Home, it is important to schedule a Memorial Mass for the deceased in the church. Please contact the parish office to schedule a memorial mass. The Mass is the most powerful means that we have to pray for those souls who are in need of our prayers. According to the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World of Vatican II:
Our union with the Church in heaven is put into effect in its noblest manner especially in the sacred Liturgy, wherein the power of the Holy Spirit acts upon us through sacramental signs. Then, with combined rejoicing we celebrate together the praise of the divine majesty; then all those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and gathered together into one Church, with one song of praise magnify the one and triune God. Celebrating the Eucharistic sacrifice therefore, we are most closely united to the Church in heaven in communion with and venerating the memory first of all of the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, of Blessed Joseph and the blessed apostles and martyrs and of all the saints (Gaudium et spes, 50),
The liturgy celebrated here on Earth reminds us that we are participating in a foreshadowing of the heavenly liturgy and remain united to all those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.
Please contact the parish office to make arrangements to personally meet with Fr. Fraini.