Funeral Ministry

During times of loss, the Church seeks to support families through prayer, compassion, and the promise of Christ’s hope. Our parish’s Lay Funeral Ministry assists the clergy in caring for grieving families with dignity, ensuring that no faces bereavement alone.

Purpose of the Ministry

The Lay Funeral Ministry is a committed, trained team of parishioners who support families and clergy by providing liturgical and pastoral care during important moments following a death. This ministry benefits the parish community by:

  • Leading families in prayer at their homes or the funeral home.
  • Leading liturgies at the graveside at the time of committal.
  • Leading liturgies at the crematorium when committal takes place there.

Through this ministry, families continue to receive meaningful prayer and support throughout the bereavement period. The presence of trained lay minister also helps ensure that:

  • Families find solace in the comfort of liturgical prayer during difficult emotional times.
  • Parish clergy, particularly in parishes with numerous funerals, are supported in delivering pastoral care to grieving families.
  • Families have access to a wider pool of leaders when scheduling becomes complex or when time constraints, such as at the crematorium, arise.

Role of the Lay Leader of the Funeral Ministry

Members of the Lay Funeral Ministry receive appropriate training to serve with confidence, sensitivity, and reverence. A Lay Leader of Funeral Ministry is prepared to:

  • Guide families during funeral preparation, including support with choosing between a Requiem Mass or Funeral Service and selecting Scripture readings.
  • Lead prayers in the family home or funeral home before the reception of the remains into the church.
  • Lead prayers at the committal, whether at the graveside or crematorium.
  • Lead prayers at the interment of ashes, providing continued accompaniment beyond the day of the funeral.

A Ministry of Presence and Compassion

We are blessed in our Parish to have well-trained Lay Funeral Ministers who offer more than just structure; they provide presence. Their calm leadership, prayerful support, and compassionate accompaniment help families feel the Church’s care when it is most needed.