Dear Friends

Funeral Ministry

Cross Roads, February 10, 1988

Dear Friends,

Since funerals form an important part of our parish’s ministry (22 last year), I want to describe for you what a high priority they receive at the Chapel of the Cross, and how much of the parish’s resources are invested in them.

As soon as the parish office is notified of the death of a parishioner, a priest calls on the family. In the case of preceding illness, this visit usually follows many others. When possible, the “Litany at the time of Death” (BCP, p. 462) is said prior to, or just after, the time of death.

The priest, on behalf of the Church, is a companion to the survivors in their grief, as well as a help in planning and thinking through all the decisions that must be made. Those can include not only the details of the funeral itself, but the disposition of the body, notification of other family members, and even the long-range care of dependent survivors.

In planning the funeral with the family, the priest consults the Personal Information Form expressing the deceased’s wishes for burial, if one has been previously filed with the parish office. (Forms are available.) If not, the family is invited to choose the readings, the psalms, the hymns, etc.

A service leaflet is printed so that all may follow and participate in the service fully. Unless otherwise requested, the priest normally preaches a homily at the service, drawing on the scripture readings, the liturgical prayers, and sometimes incidents or qualities of the deceased’s life. The intent, and result, is not to preach a eulogy, but to focus the faith of the congregation on God. Copies of this homily are later typed and sent to the family along with extra copies of the bulletin, for them to keep and to send to any relatives unable to attend.

In addition to the clergy, other parishioners play important roles in this ministry. Our Organist-Choirmaster plays the organ for all funerals or secures a substitute; on occasion the choir sings. Members of the Altar Guild and Ushers serve at all funerals. The office staff is highly involved. Of course, members of the parish attend, frequently including Vestry members.

Finally, the front lawn circumscribed by the circular driveway is available for the burial of ashes, a provision that has brought immense comfort and satisfaction to many families.

At the time of death, the ministry of the Church is urgently called upon. I am grateful to all who help our parish respond faithfully. -- Stephen