End of Life Care

The burial of a Christian is an occasion of both sorrow and joy—our sorrow in the face of death, and our joy in Jesus’ promise of the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. As the burial liturgy proclaims, “life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.” The Christian burial liturgy looks forward to eternal life rather than backward to past events. It does not primarily focus on the achievements or failures of the deceased; rather, it calls us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and his triumph over death, even as we celebrate the life and witness of the deceased. The readings should always be drawn from the Bible, and the prayers and music from the Christian tradition.  A wake preceding the service and a reception following the service are appropriate places for personal remembrances. Where possible, the burial liturgy is conducted in a church, and it is often celebrated within the context of the Eucharist. The Book of Common Prayer has always admonished Christians to be mindful of their mortality. It is therefore the duty of all Christians, as faithful stewards, to draw up a Last Will and Testament, making provision for the well-being of their families and not neglecting to leave bequests for the mission of the Church. In addition, it is important while in health to provide direction for one’s own funeral arrangements, place of burial, and the Scripture readings and hymns of the burial liturgy, and to make them known to the Priest. 

 The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation. The Baptized are properly buried from a church. This Burial Office is intended for those who have been baptized and profess the Christian Faith. Portions of this Office may be adapted for other circumstances. The coffin is to be closed before the liturgy, and it remains closed thereafter. It is appropriate that it be covered with a funeral pall or other suitable covering. The Committal normally follows the burial liturgy, at the place where the remains are to be interred. If necessary, the Committal and interment may take place before the burial liturgy. The Committal may also be used prior to cremation. A Priest normally presides at the liturgy. When the services of a Priest cannot be obtained, a Deacon or lay reader may preside at the liturgy. It is desirable that the Lesson from the Old Testament and the Epistle be read by lay persons. At the burial of  a child, the passages from Lamentations, 1 John, and John 6, together with Psalm 23, are recommended. It is customary that the Officiant meet the body and go before it into the church (page 247) or towards the  grave. The anthems at the beginning of the liturgy are sung or said as the body is borne into the church, or during the  entrance of the Ministers, or by the Officiant standing in the accustomed place.  

•  At the Time of Death: When a person is near death, the priest should be notified in order that the ministrations of the Church may be provided. Please call the priest to report a death.
• Last Rites: When one is approaching end of life, the person or their family may request a minister to visit them to perform Last Rites. This includes Confession, Anointing of the Sick and final Holy Communion. 
• Reconciliation of a Penitent: This is available to all who desire it. It is not restricted to time of sickness. Confessions may be heard anytime or anywhere. 
• Blessing of the Coffin/Casket or Urn:  A blessing is performed during a funeral service to bless the body of the deceased and remind them that they were baptized and initiated into the faith. The service includes the coffin/casket or urn being blessed with Holy Water, the draping of the pall, followed by the procession to the altar, prayers, readings and the Holy Eucharist
• Blessing of the Grave: The Blessing of a grave is a Christian practice that involves blessing the graves of the faithful departed. The ceremony is performed to asking for God’s mercy and to send his holy angels to watch over the graves and to count the departed among the saints in heaven. The ceremony is also a way to pray for the peaceful rest of the departed until the day of resurrection. It is a way of showing respect and honoring the memory of the departed. It involves holy water, prayers and scripture readings.

The vigil (also called “prayer service” or “wake”) is an occasion for family and friends to gather at the funeral home or a chapel to pray together, grieve together, and remember the life of our loved one. It may include: 

•  A viewing of the body or casket when appropriate 
• Scripture reading, singing, intercessory prayer  
• Praying the Rosary 
• Eulogies or sharing of precious memories of the departed 

The funeral liturgy normally takes the form of a Mass of Christian Burial, which is held at  the parish church. It is also possible to celebrate a “Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass” in cases where the pastor and family deem it appropriate not to celebrate a Mass. The funeral liturgy is the place for the following: 

• To give thanks and praise to God for Christ’s victory over sin and death. 
• To pray for the repose of the soul of the departed and commend them to God’s tender mercy and compassion. 
• To seek strength in the proclamation of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. 
• To celebrate special ritual moments such as the procession of the casket, the placing of the pall, and the song of farewell, which help us to grieve with hope and support. 

The burial (also called the “committal”), takes place at the cemetery after the funeral liturgy.  It may occur immediately after the funeral or at another time. The committal includes: 

• Brief prayers, scripture reading, the Lord’s Prayer (“Our Father”), and a blessing of the remains. 
• Military honors for veterans. 
• Placing flowers or earth on the casket if desired.
• Cremated remains are either buried or entombed in a mausoleum.