Death is the great unknown, yet for a Christian, the death of Jesus is the source of our hope, since it was through death that Jesus gained eternal life. The mystery of death is one of the greatest mysteries that a Christian can participate in, for it completes his or her union with Christ that was begun in baptism, a baptism into Christ's death, as St. Paul proclaims.

Christians celebrate the death of a fellow Christian with faith in the resurrection and a “sure and certain hope” that we will be united again when we shall see God face-to-face on the last day. While bidding farewell to those who have died and while praying for them and their loved ones, the rites associated with Christian funerals are also meant to be a great source of hope and comfort for all who participate, as all prepare to experience the mystery of death themselves. Through the liturgical rites for the dead, we enter the mystery of death and mystery of Christ’s victory over death.

Funeral Information & Guidelines