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 ... Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer
worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now
been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just. The Mass, the
memorial of Christ's death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the
Christian funeral. (Vatican Council II, Constitution on
the Liturgy)
Vigil
At the vigil, the Christian community keeps
watch with the family in prayer to the God of mercy and finds strength in
Christ's presence. It is the first occasion among the funeral rites for the
solemn reading of the word of God.
The structure consists of the introductory
rites, the liturgy of the word, the prayers of intercession, and a concluding
rite.
The rosary, a traditional Catholic devotion,
while not an official part of the Catholic Funeral Rites, may also be prayed
by the community that gathers.
The vigil is usually held at the facilities of
the funeral director. Vigils can also be held at the Santa Clara Parish or the
Santa Clara Chapel for special occasions and if necessity dictates. Vigils
held at the Parish or the Chapel are subject to their availability.
You may participate.
A beautiful way in which family and friends can
honor the deceased is by participating in the liturgical rites of the Catholic
Funeral. You are encouraged to help with the liturgies by choosing selected
scripture readings as well as participating as a reader during the liturgy.
Other ways of participating are; leading the funeral procession in the church,
bringing up gifts during the offertory, reading the general intercessions and
even sharing some personal thoughts about the deceased at a special place in
the liturgy.Please see a priest or pastoral minister for assistance in
planning and participating in the liturgy.
The community's principal involvement in
the ministry of consolation is expressed in its active participation in the
celebration of the funeral rites ...
Funeral Liturgy
The funeral liturgy (Mass) is the central
liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. At the
funeral liturgy the community gathers with the family and friends of the
deceased to give praise and thanks to God for Christ's victory over sin and
death, to commend the deceased to God's tender mercy and compassion, and to
seek strength in the proclamation of the Pascal mystery. Through the Holy
Spirit the community is joined together in faith as one Body of Christ to
reaffirm in sign and symbol, word and gesture that each believer through
baptism shares in Christ's death and resurrection and can look to the day when
all the elect will be raised up and united in the kingdom of light and peace.
The funeral liturgy usually ends with the Rite
of Committal, usually at the location of interment. Because of practical
situations, this may be omitted or celebrated at a later date.
Referrals
This is a partial list of music ministers who can assist you
with particular music needs. Please note that fees vary and are arranged with
the individual provider.
Organist:
