IN SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. . . .

These words, taken from the Order of Christian Funerals, express the sure and certain hope of the community of Saint Joseph Parish that God, who created all men and women in love, will not fail us at the time of death.

"In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity. Christ achieved his task of redeeming humanity and giving perfect glory to God, principally by the paschal mystery of his blessed passion, resurrection from the dead, and glorious ascension." (Order of Christian Funerals, No. 1)

"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)

The circumstances that surround the loss of a loved one and the planning for funeral services may vary widely. Nevertheless, the arrangements typically follow this pattern in whole or in part:

1. When death has occurred, the family notifies the funeral home which they have selected.
2. The funeral home contacts Saint Joseph Parish and the process of preparing for the funeral begins.
3. The family meets with the funeral home staff to make arrangements.
4. The funeral home will call the Parish to confirm dates and times for services which typically include:

• A vigil service or recitation of the rosary at the funeral home
• The funeral liturgy
• The committal service at the cemetery. A member of the parish staff is available to meet with the family or a family representative to finalize details for the funeral services.

The Parish will provide a musician for the funeral Mass or other service in the church.

Saint Joseph Parish is glad to be of service at this difficult time and will try to accommodate the needs and wishes of the family.

Some funeral homes provide grief counseling following the funeral. Likewise, a member of the parish staff will be happy to meet with members of the family or to provide a referral for additional assistance.

Practical Funeral Prep Information

For more details please contact the parish office at [email protected]