“If one member in the body suffers in the body of Christ which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member.“ (I Corinthians 12:26) For this reason, all those who are baptized into Christ and nourished at the same table of the Lord are responsible for one another.When a member of Christ's Body dies, the faithful are called to a ministry of consolation to those who have suffered the loss of the one they love.

It is in a spirit of hope in God's undying love, and care for those who grieve and mourn that the pastoral staff of Saint Mary assists in the planning and celebration of the Rites of Christian Burial.

The celebration of the Mass is usually the central element of a Catholic funeral. It proclaims Christ's victory over death through the celebration and sharing of the Holy Eucharist. Also, it unites the gathered community in prayer, song, and through the proclamation of the word of God.

The funeral rites, including the Mass, are usually celebrated in the presence of the body, because the body was made a temple of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Baptism. Nonetheless, the funeral liturgy may be celebrated in the presence of cremated remains or even in the absence of the body.

Before the funeral liturgy, the priest or parish representative will meet with family members and survivors to discuss the details of the liturgy. The planning will include the selection of appropriate scripture readings, the content of the homily, the selection of hymns and sacred songs, as well the liturgical ministries during the liturgy. Prior to the meeting, the parish will provide materials to assist in the planning.

Non-parishioners may request and celebrate funeral rites through Saint Mary Parish. A priest from another parish is welcomed to celebrate the liturgy, when requested by the family. Funeral rites are never denied or abbreviated due to financial hardship.

For more information on planning a funeral, please contact the Pastoral Staff.