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We Christians find bright rays of hope even in the midst of our darkest times. We believe that death is not only an end, but also a beginning. Our loved one has passed from this present, temporary life to a perfect, permanent one. He or she who knew God in faith on earth now sees the Lord face-to-face in heaven. While death separates us, we will one day be reunited with all those we love in a "dwelling provided for us by God, a dwelling in the heavens, not made by hands but to last forever' (2 Corinthians 5:1).

When a Catholic dies, the church celebrates a particular set of liturgical rites to help us through the immediate days of our grieving to express our belief in eternal life, and to help us pray for the one who has died. These rites are organized into what is called the Order of Christian funerals, which contains all the liturgical prayers, scripture readings and blessings for use immediately following the death of a member of the Church. The Order provides prayers for loved ones as they gather in the presence of the body, for the wake service, funeral, final commendation (prayer of farewell), and the Rite of Committal (which we celebrate at the place of burial, entombment, or cremation),.

The Catholic Funeral Rite is divided into three components:
I.  The Vigil Service (Wake Prayer Service) This is a service of the Word, similar to the Liturgy of the Word at Mass. It includes Scriptures and responses and prayers. This usually occurs at the beginning of the visiting hours whether at the funeral home or the church.

II. The Funeral Mass This is held in the Parish Church. The body of the deceased is greeted by the priest - the casket is sprinkled with Holy Water and covered with the Pall. Both of these symbols are reminders of the deceased's Baptism, through which they entered the church and now embark on the journey to eternal life. Family members are invited to place the Pall on the casket after the blessing with holy water. This comforting action exhibits the care of the family for the deceased even in death.

If the family would like, a member or a person close to the deceased may speak a few brief words of thanks or remembrance at the funeral. This is done immediately after the procession reaches the front of the church and all are in their places. It is part of the introductory rite and serves as a transition from the Wake to the Mass. The Opening Prayer of Mass concludes this Entrance Rite. The Mass continues in the usual manner with the Liturgy of the Word.

The Funeral Mass calls for a total of three readings from Sacred Scripture: one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament and a Gospel Reading. The family is invited to choose the readings for the Funeral Mass as well as the person(s) who will read them. The Gospel is proclaimed by the priest or a deacon. Click here for Selection of Funeral Readings.   Father will call each reader up to read. The readers will read from the ambo on the on the left as you are facing the assembly.

Another ministry which family members perform is the bringing forward of the gifts of bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist. These are found on the shelf in the back by the entrance of the church. Our Minister will assist whoever is doing this. When the gifts are brought forward the persons doing so come all the way up to the sanctuary and hand them over to the priest, then return to their places.

If there are family members who are altar servers or Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist who may wish to serve, please inform the Church ahead of time so that we can arrange in advance.

III. The Committal The prayers offered at the grave are brief. There is a short scripture passage, a blessing of the grave, a committal prayer and prayers for the morners and deceased.

Music Selections

Integral to any celebration in the Church is sacred music. Music by its very nature touches people at a deeper level than mere words. For these reasons music at the celebration of Christian funerals is of the utmost importance: to enhance the celebration of the Eucharist and to lighten the burden of grief and loss. All music used at a Funeral Mass must be appropriate liturgical sacred music. Please click here for Funeral hymn music options.

Click here for funeral form to help you plan the funeral. If you have questions and/or need assistance feel free to call the rectory and we would be more than be happy to answer any questions you may have. 845-359-0078.

St. John the Baptist R.C. Church

Piermont, NY

Funeral -