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SACRAMENTS: Funerals
Last revised:
November 11, 2009 1:45 PM
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"Happy are those who have died in the Lord;
let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them."
~Revelations 14:13
May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest
in peace. Amen
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On this Page:
The Order of Christian Funerals | Other
Important Information
Grief Support and Widowed Friends | Touched
By Suicide | Bereavement Ministry
The Order of Christian Funerals
Parishes often receive notice that a member of
their assembly has died when the local funeral director calls to make
arrangements for the funeral liturgy. There is a variety of outreach available
to you from St. Blase Parish.
"At the death of a Christian,
whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened
at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased
because of its confident belief that death is not the end nor does it
break the bonds forged in life." ~Order of Christian Funerals #4
In union with all Christ's faithful people, the prayer
of the Church brings spiritual help to our loved one and consoling hope
to those who mourn as we give witness to our faith in the future resurrection
of the baptized with Christ.
The staff here at St. Blase would be very happy to
work with you individually to plan your loved one's funeral. After
meeting with the local funeral director, please call the parish to make
an appointment with our Pastor or Pastoral Associate (586) 268-2244 to
discuss the celebration of the funeral rites. We have four movements
with the prayer for the Order of Christian Funerals:
- The Vigil Service
The Night before the Eucharistic Liturgy is celebrated, you will gather
your family and friends at the funeral home for a time of remembering.
Our Church tradition teaches us the "at the vigil the Christian
community keeps watch with the family in prayer to the God of mercy
and finds strength in Christ's presence." St. Blase Parish enters
into this process of remembering by offering the prayer of the Church
which is a scripture service calling us to an awareness of God's mercy.
Some families do have a long tradition of praying
the rosary together as a family. If this is your tradition, then our
parish wants to respect that tradition, and we will join you in its
recitation. We encourage different family members to lead the different
decades of the prayer, and we will offer scriptural
references to Christ's message of comfort.
- Gathering Rite
On the morning of the funeral, it is our tradition to gather with your
family and friends at St. Blase Church, not the funeral home. These
gathering rites allow us time to be with you and pray with you on the
morning of the funeral. The procession of cars is formed here at St.
Blase, and the family is given private time with their loved one prior
to the procession into church.
- Eucharistic Liturgy
When you meet with our Pastoral Staff they will want to discuss your
special memories of your loved one. Then, together you will discuss
choices for music and Sacred Scripture. Some members of your family
may be Lectors or Eucharistic Ministers. If they are, this is an appropriate
time to incorporate their ministry into the Rites for Christian Burial.
Your family may also wish to place the pall on the casket at the liturgy
or present the bread and wine at the preparation of the gifts. All these
choices are discussed at the meeting with our staff. By working through
each phase of the funeral liturgy, your family will have opportunity
to involve more people in this important process.
- Cemetery: Rite of Committal
The fourth phase of the Rites of Christian Burial are the prayers that
are offered at the cemetery. Out tradition teaches us that "the
rite of committal marks the separation in this life of the mourners
from the deceased, and through it the community assists them as they
complete their care for the deceased and lay the body to rest."
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Other Important Information:
Cremation
Can Catholics be cremated?
Yes. Since 1963 Catholics have had the choice to be cremated.
When should the cremation take place?
The Church prefers that the cremation take place after the full
funeral liturgy. However in American culture, cremation often takes
place immediately after death.
If the cremation takes place immediately after
death, what about the funeral liturgy?
If this is the case, then the ashes should be brought to the Church
for the funeral liturgy in a worthy container. There are prayers
in the Order of Christian Funeral for cremation.
May we scatter the ashes?
No. "The practice of scattering cremated remains...or keeping
cremated remains in the home...are not the revert disposition that
the Church requires." (Order of Christian Funeral, Appendix
II)
So what should we do?
Respectful disposition of cremated remains involves internment or
entombment. Your funeral director is able to explain these options.
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Touched by Suicide
Meetings are held at St. Columban’s Parish Center
(1775 E Melton Rd) in Birmingham, on the 4th Wednesday of every
month at 7:30 pm. See more information on our Pastoral
Services Counselng page.
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Bereavement
Ministry
Teams of parish members share in the wake (vigil) prayer ministry
for those being buried from St. Blase. There are three different
areas in which to minister:
- Presider - Leads the prayer service
- Lector - Reads a reading and the prayers of the faithful
- Cantor - Leads the assembled in song
There is training for all areas. Ministers need to be available
on short notice (1-2 days). Ministers are called on a rotating basis,
usually once but occasionally twice a month. Contact Vince Schembri
through the Parish Office at (586) 268-2244.
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St. Blase 12151 E. Fifteen Mile Rd. Sterling
Heights, MI 48312 Phone: (586) 268-2244
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