a christian funeral




Planning a Christian Funeral or a Memorial Service

A funeral, also called a Requiem, is a burial service that is celebrated in the context of the Holy Eucharist with the body or ashes present. A memorial service is a burial service without the body or ashes present.

A funeral or memorial service includes:

  • vigil at the mortuary
  • burial from the church
  • presence of the body
  • Holy Eucharist for the departed
  • congregational participation
  • eulogy, if desired
  • flowers
  • memorial gifts
  • music
  • reception in the parish hall, if desired
When planning a funeral service, the church office can help you select appropriate hymns and scripture passages for the service.

Vigil at the mortuary
  • It is appropriate that the family and friends come together for prayers prior to the funeral (see the Book of Common Prayer, page 465).
  • If you choose to have a viewing of the body at the mortuary the day before the funeral, it is appropriate to schedule a time for the Prayers for a Vigil when family and friends can gather.
    Burial from the Church
  • Baptized Christians are properly buried from the Church (see the Book of Common Prayer, page 490).
  • The parish is the place consecrated to the glory of God where the people of God gather to celebrate the cycle of life in communion with Christ. As we gather before the altar of God for the Burial Rites of the Church, the Paschal Candle burns during the liturgy as a reminder that through Baptism we share in Christ's Resurrection.
    Presence of the body
  • Under normal conditions, the body will be present in the church for the funeral. The earthly body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and is therefore holy in the sight of God. The body is to be prepared for burial with the utmost respect. The same body, carried as an infant to the Church to celebrate new life in the Sacrament of Baptism, is properly brought a final time to the Church in celebration of the transition to eternal life in the sacramental act of burial.
  • The presence of the body enables the Church to tangibly commit one of her members to the Communion of Saints.
  • The presence of the body also helps the family and friends who mourn bid farewell and affirm their grief and sense of loss.
  • When the casket arrives at the church, it will be met at the Lych Gate near the chapel. The casket will not be opened once it arrives and will remain closed from then on. It will be covered with a pall, a beautiful cloth used for all members of the Church, signifying equal honor and love of God for each person.
  • Although the burial of the body is a full and powerful sign, cremation is an acceptable alternative. Because of the high cost of burial, cremation offers a more affordable, practical, yet respectful option. The ashes should be brought to the church for the same reasons mentioned above. The ashes are placed on a stand before the Paschal Candle and covered with a suitable cloth.
    Holy Eucharist for the departed
  • As a baptized person, you are entitled to the full burial rites of the Church.
  • The Book of Common Prayer views the Holy Eucharist as the appropriate service for the burial of the dead. Under most circumstances, at both a funeral and memorial service, the Burial Office is within the context of the Holy Eucharist.
    Community of faith
  • The service should be held at a time when the congregation has the opportunity to be present (see the Book of Common Prayer, page 490.)
  • The participation of the local congregation provides a believing, loving, supportive presence. It is the Body of Christ at worship providing comfort and hope for those who mourn through their prayers and praises.
    Offering of a eulogy
  • The priest will offer a homily (sermon) on Christian Hope during the Burial Rite.
  • It is up to the family and friends to offer the eulogy if it is desired. The eulogy may be done from the lectern and will be included at the end of the service.
    Flowers
  • Altar flowers will be arranged by the Flower Guild.
  • Two vases of white flowers are placed on the flower shelves on either side of the altar and will remain in the church or chapel.
  • Any memorial flower arrangements will be displayed outside the church/chapel door with the exception of one appropriate arrangement that may be placed by the stand if ashes are present or if a picture is displayed in the absence of ashes.
  • There is a flower fee payable to St. Michael's. Contact the church office for more information.
    Memorial gifts
  • Although some people like to send flowers as an expression of the condolences, an option that provides a lasting remembrance is the establishment of a memorial fund at St. Michael's in lieu of flowers. The provision can be announced through the obituary notice.
  • If this is done, the church office will acknowledge the gift from the donor and inform the family of the names of the donors.
  • A memorial will be selected by the rector and the family.
Music
The liturgy for the dead finds all its meaning in the Resurrection of Christ. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too who are in Christ, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy.

This joy, however, does not make human grief null and void. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. So, while we rejoice that the one we love has passed through the gate of death into the nearer presence of God, we also weep with those who mourn. Sorrow in our human condition and hope in the resurrection of the dead are the ingredients for faith. The Church, therefore, uses appropriate hymns of faith at Christian burial.
  • You may make up to four music selections for a funeral or memorial service.
  • The music selections may include all hymns, one or more solos, or a combination of both. The music director will help in the solo selections.
  • If the parish soloist is not used, an additional fee will be charged because of the additional rehearsal time needed to prepare.
  • Other prelude and postlude music selections will be made by the organist.
  • Only the parish organist or those approved by him may be used.
  • If contemporary Christian music is desired with other than organ accompaniment, the music and musician must be approved by the priest.
  • There is a music fee payable to the individual musician(s).

    Contact the church office for more information.
This information was sourced from the web site of
St. Michael's By-the-Sea, Carlsbad.




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