Burial of the Dead
The Liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.
The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separated us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that the one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.
The Book of Common Prayer, p. 507
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PREPARING FOR DEATH
Communicants and baptized members are encouraged to make their wishes for burial known in advance, using a Personal Information Form from the parish office; this should be completed in consultation with a member of the clergy. Living Will forms are also available.
WILLS
The Book of Common Prayer states that “the Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in good health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses.” A brochure on planned giving, so vital to the ministry of the Chapel of the Cross, is available in the parish office.
AT THE TIME OF DEATH
A priest should be called, even in the middle of the night, when the person is near death so that the office of Ministration at the Time of Death (Litany for the Dying) may be read (BCP, p.462). This comforting office may be read by the priest with members of the family or friends immediately after the person has died if it has not been possible earlier.
PLANNING THE SERVICE
If a priest has not already been called, the parish office should be notified as soon as possible following death. Arrangements for the funeral and burial (including time and place) should be made only in consultation with a member of the clergy, who desire to be available in any way possible.
OBITUARY NOTICE
Newspaper notification is usually handled through the mortician or cremation service. Details concerning the funeral service should be checked with the Officiant before submission to the press. The notice should specify whether the service is a funeral or requiem Eucharist, and place of burial. The phrase “memorial service” is not normally used.
THE BURIAL OFFICE
A funeral in the Episcopal Church is a service of public worship and follows the liturgies of the Church; that is, The Burial of the Dead, Rite I or II, (BCP, p.469 or 491).
BODY OR ASHES TO BE PRESENT
Normally the cremated ashes or the body of the deceased is to be present at the funeral. A pall is used to cover the container for the ashes or the coffin, which is kept closed. At the time the body or ashes are delivered to the church, the Officiant offers prayers (BCP, p.466).
THE OFFICIANT
The pastoral office of the Burial of the Dead is that of the Church, not of any individual priest; members of the clergy staff will officiate at the Burial Office according to availability. In instances in which a pastoral relationship has been established between a particular priest and the deceased, a request for that person will be honored if at all possible.
MUSIC
The Organist-Choirmaster usually plays the organ at funerals. If the Organist-Choirmaster is not available, the service of another competent organist can be arranged by the parish. Hymns may be selected in consultation with the clergy from The Hymnal 1982.
FLOWERS
Flowers (to be placed at the altar as at any other service of worship) may be offered by the family or friends. They are arranged by the parish Altar Guild, who should be consulted before flowers are ordered.
HOLY SCRIPTURE
Biblical passages to be read at the service shall be selected from the Lessons appointed in the Prayer Book for the Burial Office. It is desirable that the lesson from the Old Testament and the Epistle be read by lay persons.
THE HOMILY
The Officiant may preach a homily (a brief sermon based on the Scripture readings). At the Chapel of the Cross, it is not customary that the family or friends of the deceased should perform this function. There is never a eulogy.
THE HOLY EUCHARIST
The celebration of the Eucharist at the funeral of a regular communicant of the parish is highly appropriate. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (I Corinthians 11:26).
BURIAL
When possible, the Officiant will accompany the body or ashes to the place of burial for the Committal. Provision has been made for the burial of ashes of communicants of the parish and their families in the churchyard. Ashes must be in a biodegradable container. The names of those buried in the churchyard may be engraved on the memorial plaque in the cloister. The cost of engraving ($100.00) may be paid from the estate of the deceased.
MEMORIAL GIFTS
No fees are charged or expected at the Chapel of the Cross except for the organist ($150.00) and the burial plaque ($100.00, see above). Thank-offerings or memorial gifts may, however, be made to the parish or to the discretionary fund of the officiating priest.
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
It is appropriate that the deceased be remembered by friends and family at regular Sunday and mid-week services on their birthdays or on the anniversaries of their deaths, as well as in one’s private devotions at any time.
Rest eternal grant to them O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon them.
Revised 9/22/04
Last updated: May 28, 2006
