To: Parishioners and their Families

Re: Importance of Mass of Christian Burial

From: Fr. John B. Boyle

Too often we see words to the effect of the following in obituaries of Catholics: "No services by request." This is particularly sad because the Church's Liturgy of Christian Funerals, is a vital and powerful recognition of the affection, esteem, honor, farewell, and healing offered during the difficult times of the death of a loved one. It is a public recognition that the earthly life of someone we love has ended, leaving behind family and friends, and leading us all to stop and reflect momentarily at least, on the reality of our own mortality and immortality.

For Catholics, the Rite of Christian Funerals is the most beautiful expression of faith and the truest sign of God's love for his children. We celebrate the Eucharistic Liturgy for our deceased loved ones in recognition of one of the most essential truths of our Catholic Faith - physical death is not the end of life, but the beginning of a new life that has no end.

The Funeral Mass offers us the unique opportunity to gather as family, friends and loved ones and the Community of the Church, to lift up in gratitude the life of our loved ones to the loving and merciful God, asking for healing, mercy, strength, and reward for the one we have loved in life. In a funeral in the church, unlike a funeral home or anywhere else, we can formally and beautifully say farewell, thank you and we love you even in death. Nothing can replace what the Rite of Christian Funerals offers both the living and the deceased.

More often than ever before, Catholics are not having Funeral Masses for themselves (as per directives in wills or statements to loved ones). This is a great loss and mistake. In some instances, it is because surviving family members neither cherish nor practice the faith and do not understand why they should attend something they neither value nor understand. Some people fear the sadness of having a Mass of Christian Burial, as if unexpressed grief were somehow healthier. In some cases, final wishes may have been left unclear or unexpressed. All of this is really tragic. Catholics must understand that a Mass of Christian Burial is a final witness to the faith of their loved one regardless of their own, and the best opportunity to come face-to-face grief and begin the process of healing.

If you have any questions about arranging or planning a Mass of Christian Burial or about the steps to follow in making certain that you or your loved ones wishes are brought to fruition after death occurs, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Parish Office. Whatever we can do to help the love and comfort of the Risen Christ to be with you during these difficult times, we are here to help. Please do not hesitate to call.

Additionally, if your loved one is near death, either at home or in a hospital or nursing facility, please do not hesitate to call me so that I may give the Church's "Last Rites", which is a blessing and a Commendation to the Lord of the person who is completing his/her journey back to the God

who created them. If they are able to receive Holy Communion, I would be able to offer them Viaticum, the Lord's Body and Blood, to accompany them on their journey. This is one of God's Holy Gifts for us, His Holy People, may we receive them with praise and thanksgiving. Please be aware that this is available for those who are conscious and whose death seems to be immanent.

I hope that this reflection will bring some help and assistance to you who are wondering: "What we should do?" or "What now?" or "How do we go about all this?" It is always good to make sure that your wishes and hopes for what happens after you die, are made known to relatives and friends.

I pray that the peace and love and joy of the Risen Lord may always be in your hearts and homes, now and always.

In Christ's love, I remain,

Sincerely yours,

John B. Boyle

Pastor