Death & Faith

There is a longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church to pray for the souls of the deceased.  We are all part of the Communion of Saints and our role is to intercede for each other. Not only in this life on earth, but also after we have departed. Praying for the souls of those that have gone before us goes right in step with Divine Mercy.  
 
The Catechism of the Catholic Church also says that our prayer for the souls in purgatory is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective. (CCC 958)
 
So, here’s how it goes with the praying Body of Christ.  Some disciples are here on earth, others are in the full glory of heaven and others have died and are being purified (waiting to certainly go to heaven after the purification process). We, the Militant Church here on earth, pray for each other and for the souls in purgatory. The Triumphant Church, the saints in heaven, pray for us and for the souls in purgatory. The Penitent Church, the souls in purgatory, soon to be saints, have the power to pray for us! Yes! Amazing and true! The holy souls in purgatory can intercede for us too!  They are still members of the Body of Christ even in the time of purification and just like Christ….they LOVE US!
 
Bishop Fulton Sheen once said that “As we enter Heaven, we will see them, so many of them, coming toward us and thanking us. We will ask who they are and they will say: ‘A poor soul you prayed for in purgatory.'” 

Stop by and pray at a Cemetery. We are always open and heaven is always listening, ready to join you. When you pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory in a Catholic Cemetery, you never pray alone.

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Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.    (Psalms 39:4-7)

Death is an uncomfortable topic. But for Catholics, death is a door to an eternity of being in the presence of Love. God is with us now and we will be with God when we die.

We offer you resources regarding death to assist during the challenging times of uncertainty, pain and grief that it often brings.

Information for Funeral Director

1. Clothing, including undergarments
2. Eyeglasses and jewelry. (Can be used for viewing and removed before interment)
3. A recent photograph to benefit director and/or hairdresser
4. Veteran’s discharge papers (DD214)
5. Social security number
6. Life insurance policies
7. Photographs for display or on internet.

1. Father’s full name
2. Mother’s full name (including maiden name)
3. Place of birth
4. Work History
5. Education
6. Parish
7. Organizations or memberships
8. Special achievements
9. Surviving relatives

1. Date, time, and place of service. Please remember to have funeral director call the cemetery or mausoleum to ensure the arrival time will work with cemetery/mausoleum schedule.Don’t schedule the Mass first as the cemetery burial schedule may be in conflict.
2. Full body burial or cremation (memorial) service.
3. Transportation for family and friends
4. Flowers (or not)
5. Repast ( or not)
6. Pallbearers if necessary

1. Grave or mausoleum space
2. Opening and Closing cost
3. Monument or mausoleum inscription.