St. Joseph & St. Jerome
The Vigil is often the first time family, friends and community members gather for prayer and support in remembrance of a treasured life. The service is held at a parish church or funeral home. This is also the appropriate time for the eulogy. Through prayer, scripture, song, and stories, the deceased is remembered and celebrated. It is a time to give strength to the grieving and faith to trust in the promise of eternal life.
The Funeral Mass is the principal celebration of the Catholic funeral, where family and friends join to reaffirm that life has not ended. It is the memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and is a reminder that we are one with Christ in life, death and Resurrection. The mass is celebrated in the Church with the body present. At this time, family and friends give thanks and prepare to part with the deceased.
The Committal is the final service and time of interment. With a short invitation, scripture verse, and prayer, family and friends are guided in the challenging process of letting go. Through the comfort and promise of everlasting life, the deceased is left in their peaceful resting place.
In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, by his death and resurrection, has destroyed death forever.
Our Christian faith helps us to confront the reality of death as we are reminded that Jesus himself told us that we can overcome death through our faith in him.
The Mass of Christian Burial brings hope and consolation to the living. While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them God’s mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis.
1st Step:
- If you are working with a local funeral home allow them to work with you and guide you through the process; they will contact us.
- If you are from out of town; please call the office at 269-962-0165.
Please click here for a helpful guide to Roman Catholic Funerals from the Diocese of Kalamazoo.