St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 834 S. Orange Blossom Tr., Apopka, FL 32703-6560 US - The Catholic Funeral Rites

The following information will assist families in the celebration of the death and resurrection of their loved one at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Catholic Church Teaching From Death to New Life. Death is a certain aspect of the human journey.  The human person is destined for eternal life.  Death does not negate human dignity or purpose.  Our lives and deaths are supposed to imitate the life and death of Jesus Christ.  It is only in death that we are to embrace resurrection and eternal life. 

Burial of the human body or cremated remains reflects the value and the dignity of the human person and imitates the death and burial of Jesus Christ. In St. Paul's letter to the Romans we read: "Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. If then we have died with Christ, we believe we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. (6:3-4, 8-9).

The Church's Celebration: Three Stations

Vigil Service for the Deceased or Wake: This usually takes place on the evening before the funeral celebration. The focus is on the story of the loved one's life and how those who are left behind will remember him or her. The Church prefers that the vigil take place at the location where the parish community normally gathers for worship, with the deceased left in the Church through the night. However, for pastoral reasons, a vigil or wake may take place at a funeral home. 

Funeral Liturgy:  The focus of this station is to acknowledge the death of the earthly existence of a family member or friend and to celebrate his or her new life in Christ. The Scriptures give reassurance that death is not the end and that our bond of love with our loved one can never be broken. The Church prefers that the body or the cremated remains be present during this celebration in either the Church or Chapel to ensure the dignity and respect of the body.

Rite of Committal or Graveside Service: The focus of this station is to say goodbye to the earthly existence of the deceased and to envision the future where we will all be together in God's kingdom. This station completes the Paschal Mystery to which Christians are committed: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! Thus, past, present and future are one in Christ Cremation Until 1963, cremation in the Catholic Church was not permissible under the Code of Canon (Church) Law. The Second Vatican Council lifted this restriction; however, it encourages Catholics to continue the practice of burying bodies of the dead. The 1997 Revised Order of Christian Funerals states that if cremation is chosen, the Church prefers the body to be present at all celebrations, and then be cremated. When cremation takes place before the funeral, the remains are to be treated in the same manner as a body with regard to the liturgical rites. Cremated remains should be placed in an appropriate urn or vessel and buried either in a cemetery or columbarium.

Funeral Details

Music Appropriate:  Liturgical music is to be used for all funeral celebrations of the Church. 

Family Involvement:  Family members are encouraged to participate in the funeral rituals of the Church as much as they are able. Such actions as placing of the pall, bringing up the gifts at Mass and reading the scriptures are opportunities for involvement. 

Memorabilia Items and pictures that portray and exemplify a loved one's life are appropriate and encouraged.

Procedures 

Prior to Death:  If you have a family member or friend who is seriously ill, please call the St. Francis of Assisi office to arrange to have a priest administer the Sacrament of the Sick or anointing. If your loved one dies, this anointing is considered "Last Rites¨ of the Church. If possible, arrange a meeting with a member of our Bereavement Team to begin the pre-planning process for the funeral rites of your relative or friend. 

At the Time of Death:  Please call the funeral home you plan to use for the preparation of the deceased's body. The funeral home will then notify the St. Francis of Assisi office. At that time, a meeting will be scheduled with a member of our Bereavement Team to assist you in the planning of the funeral. 

After Death:  Pastoral counseling and support are available not only in the weeks, but also in the months and years after the death of a family member or friend. Please call the St. Francis of Assisi office to arrange a meeting with either a member of the clergy or the Bereavement Team. Mass cards are available at the St. Francis of Assisi office to remember a loved one in the prayer of the parish community in the months that follow the funeral.

Bereavement Team:  The St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Bereavement Team is available to assist families in the planning of funeral services either prior to, or at the time of, death. However, pre-planning is strongly encouraged. The Team's mission also includes follow-up support and resources for those in mourning.

Throughout the year, informational seminars will be offered to assist parishioners with issues associated with death and end of life care. For further assistance, please contact the St. Francis of Assisi office.

Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.. He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord's own house I shall dwell for ever and ever."