Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament

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Funerals

Brilliant purple Liatris flowers in the cathedral garden

On behalf of the parish family, we extend our sincere condolences to you, the family and friends of the beloved.

For assistance in planning a funeral, please give us a call at 313-865-6300.

  • 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 work of God and the sacrament of the Eucharist.
  • Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just.  The Mass, the memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral.
  • The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living.  While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them God’s mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis.

(From the Order of Christian Funerals)

We invite you to preview this material for the celebration of a funeral. We are most happy to answer any of your questions and concerns about the funeral.  Do not let your hearts be troubled; trust in God still.

Cremation

ALTHOUGH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH EARNESTLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CUSTOM OF BURYING THE BODIES OF THE DEAD BE OBSERVED, CREMATION IS PERMITTED.

  • The Catholic Church holds the bodies of its deceased members in the highest regard. Great reverence is due the human body in all stages, from conception through death and on to its final resting place.
  • The church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites and that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy. With special permission, however, the bishops of the United States and the Holy See have authorized the celebration of a Catholic funeral liturgy with the cremated remains when the body is cremated before the funeral.
  • The Order of Christian Funerals (#417) clearly states that an appropriate, worthy container such as a classic urn is proper for the cremated remains.
  • The ashes of the deceased should be reverently interned in a place reserved for the burial of the dead, i.e., cemetery, mausoleum or columbarium with an appropriate memorial statue or plaque recording the name of the deceased.
  • The practice of scattering cremains on the sea or on the ground, or keeping cremains in the home is not allowed.

Funeral Rites

INTRODUCTORY RITES

  • Greeting
  • Sprinkling with holy water
  • Placing of the pall
  • [Placing of the Christian symbol]
  • Opening Prayer

LITURGY OF THE WORD

  • Readings
  • Homily
  • General Intercessions

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

FINAL COMMEDATION

  • Invitation to Prayer
  • Silence
  • Song of Farewell
  • Prayer of commendation

PROCESSION TO THE PLACE OF COMMITTAL

Information

  • STAFF ASSISTANCE: will meet with the family representative of the deceased to schedule and plan a funeral.
  • THE WAKE SERVICE: usually conducted by the funeral home, pastoral staff or a parish trained volunteer.
    • The appropriate time and place for personal reflections about the deceased are during the wake service and a time is provided for this.
    • The structure of the vigil usually includes a call to prayer in word or song, a proclamation of the word of God, prayers of intercession and concludes with a blessing.
    • Devotional prayers, such as the Rosary or parts of the Rosary may also be included.
  • VIEWING BEFORE THE FUNERAL: the family may elect to have the body in state in the church immediately prior to the funeral liturgy, also known as “family hour”.
  • FAMILY PARTICIPATION: the family is encouraged to participate fully in the funeral liturgy
    • A copy of appropriate readings is included in the preparation folder.
    • Care should be exercised in choosing readers for the liturgy who are baptized Christians who can remain poised and are comfortable reading in public.
    • The priest celebrant will choose the Gospel and deliver the homily
  • MUSIC SELECTION: the family will speak with the music minister to select appropriate music.  The parish provides an organist/pianist/cantor.
  • LUNCHEON: if space is available the parish offers a funeral luncheon at minimal cost to active parish families.