Funeral Planning and Information
The Order of Christian Funerals is designed to honor and remember the deceased in a loving and dignified manner.
Please call the Parish Office at 856-767-0719 when a loved one has passed away to make arrangements with our staff and clergy for the Funeral Mass.
There are three parts to a Christian funeral: the Vigil, the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal/Burial.
1. Vigil
The Vigil is a time to accept the end of a loved one’s earthly life, while offering an opportunity to remember them in the presence of community. Friends and family typically gather for this event at a funeral home or church. During the Vigil, there will be readings from Sacred Scripture, prayers for the deceased, and a setting for sharing memories of the departed.
2. Funeral Mass
At the Funeral Mass, we pray for the repose of the soul of our loved one, seek our own consolation, and express gratitude to God for the gift of their life. The Funeral Mass includes the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The celebrant will share a few remarks about the life of the deceased, while focusing on the readings of the liturgy, God’s compassionate love, and the Paschal mystery (the death and resurrection of Jesus).
3. Rite of Committal/Burial
The Rite of Committal/Burial is the final act of care by the community for the deceased and their body. This is a moment of farewell and hope, allowing individuals to recognize that the bonds of affection formed in this life are not broken by death. The Rite of Committal takes place at the gravesite following the Funeral Mass.
A Note on Cremation
The Order of Christian Funerals emphasizes the importance of treating the remains of the deceased with dignity and respect. As stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” Our bodies, including those of our loved ones, are gifts from the Lord to be cherished and cared for. This understanding helps explain why cremation is not typically the first choice for the deceased. However, the Church recognizes that funerals can be expensive, which may lead some to choose cremation.
If cremation occurs, the remains must be honored properly, in a manner similar to the reverence given to the body. Scattering, mixing, or separating the remains is prohibited in Catholic tradition. The remains should be placed in a cemetery, columbarium, or another respectful location. It is important not to display the remains, such as on a living room mantle, as they represent a person and deserve a special memorial place. It is natural for family and friends to visit a specific location in order to honor and remember their deceased loved one.
