“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 to Christian Funerals, 4)

“The Church through its funeral rites commends the dead to God’s merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins.  At the funeral rites, especial at the celebration of the eucharistic sacrifice, the Christian community affirms and expresses the union of the Church on earth with the Church in heaven in the one great communion of saints.  Though separated from the living, the dead are still at one with the community of believers on earth and benefit from their prayers and intercession.  At the rite of final commendation and farewell, the community acknowledges the reality of separation and commends the deceased to God.  In this way, it recognizes the spiritual bond that still exists between the living and the dead and proclaims its belief that all the faithful will be raised up and reunited in the new heavens and a new earth, where death will be no more.”

(Order of Christian Funerals, 6)

To pre-plan your or a family member’s funeral arrangements with our parish, please contact our pastor, Fr. Ignatius here or (904) 264-0577 ext. 325.

To schedule a funeral with our parish at the time of need, please contact our pastor, Fr. Ignatius here or (904) 264-0577 ext. 325.

• To view the readings for a Mass of Christian Funerals for an adult, please click here.  Usually, individuals would choose a first reading from the Old Testament, a second reading from the New Testament, and a Gospel reading.
• To view the readings for a Mass of Christian Funerals for a child, please click here.  Usually, individuals would choose a first reading from the Old Testament, a second reading from the New Testament, and a Gospel reading.
• To view the hymn selections that can be chosen for a funeral at St. Catherine’s, please click here.  Usually, individuals would choose an Offertory Hymn, a Communion Hymn, and a Recessional Hymn.
• Please click here for the form to request a bereavement luncheon that is provided by the parish at no cost.