For Christians life is changed not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven.
When a loved one dies, the parish wants to do what we can to help you. You can notify us yourself or you can have the funeral director contact us. We will assist you in planning the funeral liturgy. You can expect the priest to come to the wake and offer to do a short prayer service there. He will do the actual funeral and will go to the cemetery. If for some reason he cannot attend the wake and cemetery, a pastoral minister or deacon will be there.
Cremation: The practice of burying the body in the earth or in a crypt is the most common practice at this time. At one time in history, cremation was not the practice of Catholics. Today, however, cremation is an option, but the time honored practice of burial in the ground or a crypt is still encouraged.
Saint Anselm Church has prepared a guide with suggested readings to assist families in planning the funeral liturgy. A bereavement minister from the parish will meet with the family to plan the funeral liturgy.
Funeral Guide Booklet
Funeral Liturgy Planning Sheet