“Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed, not ended”

“At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.”
(Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4)

The death of a loved one is a time profound grief and sorrow. It is also a time when our Faith can offer great comfort.  Our belief in the Resurrection of Christ allows us to experience grace in the midst of sadness and loss. The Catholic Church offers many prayerful rituals at the time of death.  These are meant to bring hope and consolation to friends and family members as they commend the soul of the deceased person to God’s loving mercy.

The Church calls each member of Christ’s body – priest, deacon, and the faithful – to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 8).   Therefore, the Funeral Ministry/Ministry of Consolation is one of the most important ways that Immaculate Conception parish supports a family at the time of the loss of a loved one.

If a parish family wishes to celebrate a funeral at Immaculate Conception, please call the Parish Office (321) 725-0052 as soon as practically possible and before the time and date are set with the Funeral Director. The arrangements can then be made with the best possible availability.  Members of our Women’s Guild graciously host receptions following Funeral Liturgies in our parish, based on availability.  Information regarding receptions is available at the time of arranging for funeral services in our parish community.

If you are planning a funeral, know our prayers and support for you in your time of loss.

Click on the link provided here to read the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops guidelines to better understanding of the way the Catholic Church celebrates funerals: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/bereavement-and-funerals/overview-of-catholic-funeral-rites.cfm

More resources regarding Catholic Funeral Rites as well as planning/celebrating Funerals here at Immaculate Conception coming soon!