Funeral Ministry

The Church wishes to accompany those who are grieving and to show the Light of Jesus Christ Risen to those whose hearts are broken.  The parish embraces those who are mourning and gives direction for ceremonies to thank God for the deceased’s life and to hold family and friends close in prayer. 

Planning a Funeral
Please contact our Funeral Coordinator, Yvonne Smith or call her at (804) 525-7898 or call the office (804) 282-9511.

The Funeral Ritual

The Funeral Ritual of the Catholic Church is in three steps and all three steps should be taken.  The purpose of the Funeral Ritual is to praise Almighty God for Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death and His promise of eternal life. The full and active focus of the Funeral Ritual is on Almighty God while offering the opportunity through Scripture, song and prayer to honor the memory of the deceased and to thank God for their life on earth. 
 

Taken together, the three steps of the Funeral Ritual offer praise of God and consolation for the family and friends.

Step One:  The Vigil
The Vigil usually occurs in the funeral home toward the end of the visiting hours. It is a brief Liturgy of the Word led by a priest or deacon.  It includes two Scripture Readings, a brief sermon or eulogies, prayers of the faithful, Lord’s Prayer and blessing. Eulogies are welcome at the Vigil.
 

Step Two:  The Mass of Christian Burial
The purpose of Mass is to praise and thank Almighty God from Whom all blessings flow.  The focus of the Mass is on the life-giving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Family and friends are welcome as readers and gift bearers.  The sermon will incorporate thanks to God and memories of the deceased.  Eulogies occur at the Vigil but not during the Mass.
 

Step Three:  The Burial
This is a brief Liturgy of the Word led by a priest or deacon over the grave.

One of the corporal works of mercy is to bury the dead.

Volunteers
There is a need in our parish for help with our funeral Liturgies.

• Welcome guests and distribute Mass leaflets in the Commons thirty minutes before the Mass is scheduled to begin.
• Meet with the family and plan their loved one’s funeral.
• Produce the leaflet used during the funeral using Publisher software
• Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion to serve on the altar during the Funeral Service

Please contact Yvonne Smith  to volunteer for this ministry.