Please do not go through this difficult time alone. Contact Blessed Trinity Parish clergy, bereavement ministers, or parish staff so they may support you in making necessary arrangements.

 “The Church… ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and Sacrament of Eucharist,” (Order of Christian Funerals, no.4).
 

Three separate rites encompass our Catholic Funeral Rites:

• The vigil - where family and friends gather before the funeral.
• The funeral liturgy - the funeral service held in a church.
• The committal, or final commendation - the burial of the body or ashes.

Each rite serves a distinct purpose to assist you on your path to healing. Each rite can be personalized somewhat to convey a deeper meaning relevant to the life of the deceased and to those who mourn. We celebrate the rites to give praise to God for giving us the gift of life.

Vigil Sequence.

• Introductory Rites
• Liturgy of the Word (including a brief homily on the readings)
• Prayer of Intercession
• The Lord’s Prayer
• Concluding Prayer
• Time for family and friends to speak in remembrance of the deceased
• Concluding Rite

Funeral Liturgy/Mass.

“The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased,” (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 128).  The community gathers with family and friends to praise God for Christ’s victory over sin and death. Through Baptism, we share in Christ’s death and resurrection. Through the Holy Spirit, we join in faith.

• Reception (of the body or cremated remains) at the church
• Liturgy of the Word
• Liturgy of the Eucharist
• Final Commendation and Farewell
• Procession to the Place of Committal

Rite of Committal (Burial or Interment).

The Rite of Committal is the conclusion of the funeral rites, marking the final act of the community caring for the body of the deceased. The community commits the body to its resting place in hopes the deceased awaits the glory of the resurrection and is an expression of the communion that exists between the Church on earth and Church in heaven.

It is normally celebrated beside the open burial space and presided by a priest or deacon. A particular prayer is recited if the place of burial is to be blessed. The body will be placed in the burial space, as the community expresses their farewell prayers.

For further information regarding funerals for your loved one at Blessed Trinity Parish, please contact us at 413.773.3311.