“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. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.”
(Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4)
Death of a catholic, transition from this earthly life to the eternal life with its religious rites, is considered sacred. Every death of a parishioner is a celebration not only for the particular family, but also for the whole St. Thomas the Apostle community.
The death of a loved one is a time profound grief and sorrow. It is also a time when our Faith can offer great comfort. Our belief in the Resurrection of Christ allows us to experience grace in the midst of sadness and loss. The Catholic Church offers many prayerful rituals at the time of death. These are meant to bring hope and consolation to friends and family members as they commend the soul of the deceased person to God’s loving mercy.
The Church calls each member of Christ’s body – priest, deacon, and the faithful – to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 8). Therefore, the Funeral Ministry/Ministry of Consolation is one of the most important ways that Saint Thomas the Apostle parish supports a family at the time of the loss of a loved one.
If a parish family wishes to celebrate a funeral at Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, please call the Parish Office as soon as practically possible and before the time and date are set with the Funeral Director. The arrangements can then be made with the best possible availability. Information regarding receptions is available at the time of arranging for funeral services in our parish community.
The Art of Dying Well
The art of dying well is also the art of living well. By understanding who we are and what we are made for, we can order our lives and values according to God’s design for our true fulfillment. Knowing we will die someday allows us to live as prudent stewards of the time we’re given, and it grants us the ability to joyfully anticipate eternal life.
Video series available on FORMED: The Art of Dying
Trailer: The Art of Dying
Once the parish office has been contacted, a member of the Consolation/Funeral Ministry will meet with the family or friends to offer comfort, prayer and assistance in planning the services of a loved one for one or a combination of the following:
- Funeral Mass
- Funeral Service without a Mass
- Vigil Service
- Committal Service
If you are planning a funeral, know our prayers and support for you in your time of loss.
Contact Information
Maria Johnson – dodgermaria@yahoo.com
Click on the link provided here to read the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops guidelines to better understanding of the way the Catholic Church celebrates funerals: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/bereavement-and-funerals/overview-of-catholic-funeral-rites.cfm
Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 