The Funeral Mass is the greatest prayer that we can offer for someone who has died. We offer this in the Novus Ordo form in English and in the Traditional form in Latin. The normal process for a Catholic who has died is to have a visitation at the funeral home, transfer of the casket to the church, Funeral Mass, and burial at the cemetery. If cremation is to take place, it is desirable to have this after the Funeral Mass with the body.
*Catholics always bury the complete remains of a loved one who has passed. We do this in the hope that if they are buried like Christ was in the tomb, then they will rise again like Christ did on the third day.
For various reasons, some may ask for a Catholic service at the funeral home. This is possible and beneficial, though we would always encourage the Funeral Mass.
Normally, the funeral home is the first contact after a loved one has passed. They will then work with the parish to set up the details for the funeral. You may always contact the parish directly.
In Memoriam Donations in lieu of flowers
St. Ann’s Parish has In Memoriam cards so a parishioner may designate charitable donations to our parish in lieu of flowers or other charity. Upon request, these cards will be made available at funeral homes during the time of visitation. A card of condolence is left with the family, the donation is mailed to the parish, and a full income tax receipt for the donation will be issued to the donor. If you wish to designate charitable donations to our parish, let the funeral director know and/or contact the church office at 905-544-0488. This helps to keep the Heritage of the parish growing.
An Overview of the Doctrine on Funerals
354. What is the relationship between the sacraments and the death of a Christian?
1680-1683
The Christian who dies in Christ reaches at the end of his earthly existence the fulfillment of that new life which was begun in Baptism, strengthened in Confirmation, and nourished in the Eucharist, the foretaste of the heavenly banquet. The meaning of the death of a Christian becomes clear in the light of the death and Resurrection of Christ our only hope. The Christian who dies in Christ Jesus goes “away from the body to be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
355. What do funeral rites express?
1684-1685
Although celebrated in different rites in keeping with the situations and traditions of various regions, funerals express the paschal character of Christian death in hope of the resurrection. They also manifest the meaning of communion with the departed particularly through prayer for the purification of their souls.
356. What are the main moments in funerals?
1686-1690
Usually, funeral rites consist of four principal parts: welcoming the body of the deceased by the community with words of comfort and hope, the liturgy of the Word, the Eucharistic Sacrifice, and the farewell in which the soul of the departed is entrusted to God, the Source of eternal life, while the body is buried in the hope of the resurrection.
~From the Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
