To arrange a funeral, please call Fr. David at 407-482-4282
It is the goal of the St. Maximilian Kolbe parish family to:
comfort those who mourn
provide support to family and friends of the deceased
assist family members with funeral planning
participate in meaningful and correct liturgical celebrations
offer an ongoing parish bereavement program
As we put our parish caring into action, we acknowledge that death as a journey allows our faith community to assist from the moment of death to the burial rest of the deceased. We realize the ultimate significance of our faith journey, as well, which began at baptism and culminates in our eventual death, yet a death that is not the end.
Our liturgical celebrations consist of three: Vigil, Funeral Mass and Rite of Committal. Together we worship, praise, and thank God for the gift of this life which has been returned to Him.
Preparation for Death
We know that our earthly existence will come to an end. However, for most of our lives, we do not know the day or the hour when we will be called from this life. When the time of death seems to be drawing near, the Church has special rites to prepare us to come before the Lord. Whenever it appears that someone has a serious illness, it is appropriate to contact a priest to receive the anointing of the sick, by which the Church asks the Lord to grant healing of soul and body. This is often preceded by the sacrament of reconciliation, where Christ offers the forgiveness of sins. As an individual confronts illness, the Church assures them of Christ’s presence by providing opportunities to receive Holy Communion, so that their suffering might acquire meaning from the power of Christ’s cross. When the moment of death draws near, Holy Communion is given as viaticum, the “food for the journey,” so that Christ, present in the Blessed Sacrament, might bring spiritual strength for the passage into new life. Finally, at the hour of death, a priest or deacon may accompany the dying and their family with prayers asking God’s grace for a person about to set foot into eternity.
I. Vigil for the Deceased
Sometimes called the Wake, the vigil for the deceased is the official prayer of the church for the deceased, and the first of the three major rites celebrated by the Christian community.
The vigil is celebrated between the time of death and the funeral liturgy, often on the day before or the evening before the funeral Mass. The vigil may take place in the home of the deceased, at the funeral home, or in the church. A priest, deacon, or layperson may preside at this liturgy.
The vigil takes the form of the liturgy of the word. It centers on readings from sacred Scripture, songs, psalms, and intercessory prayer. A brief homily or reflection by the presider is also included. The vigil service is the preferred time for family and friends to offer stories, reflections, and eulogies on the life of the deceased.
II. Funeral Mass
The funeral Mass is the central liturgical celebration for the deceased.
The Christian community reaffirms in sign and symbol, word and gesture, that through baptism we share in Christ’s death and resurrection, and look forward to the day when we will be raised up and united in the kingdom of light and peace.
The funeral Mass is normally celebrated the evening before, or on the day of the burial or committal. A priest is the presider for a funeral Mass.
The funeral Mass begins at the entrance of the church. The priest and the gathered assembly receive the body of the deceased. The coffin is sprinkled with holy water and the pall is placed upon it by family or friends of the deceased to recall the deceased’s baptism. The body is carried in procession toward the altar and placed near the paschal candle. When the coffin is in place, other Christian symbols, such as the Book of Gospels or cross may be placed on the coffin.
Mass continues as the community celebrates the Liturgy of the Word. The homily is based on the readings and focuses on the paschal mystery and God’s love. The assembly prays for the deceased and the bereaved in the intercessions. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is celebrated as usual. In word and sacrament, we celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection and reaffirm our share in this mystery.
The final commendation immediately follows the prayer after Communion. At this time the deceased is entrusted to God’s tender care. While an extended time of remembrance is most appropriate for the vigil, if desired, one family member or friend may offer a brief prepared eulogy before the final commendation begins. The song of farewell is the climax of the rite of final commendation. This song, sung by the assembly, has a specific function: to affirm the hope and trust in the paschal mystery. The body may be incensed during or following the song of farewell. The prayer of commendation concludes the rite.
The procession is then formed and the body is carried to the place of burial or committal.
Music selections for funerals are made in conjunction with the ministers of music in the parish and follow the directives of the Roman Catholic Church regarding music in the liturgy. Some requested music selections that do not fall within these norms may be appropriate during the period of the wake.
III. Burial or Committal
Funeral rites conclude with the rite of committal.
The burial or committal takes place as soon as possible after the funeral Mass. The rite of committal takes place beside the open grave or place of interment. If this is not possible, it may take place at a cemetery chapel. A priest or deacon may preside at this service.
Though brief, the rite of committal assists the bereaved at this most difficult time. This rite includes a short Scriptural verse, the prayer of committal, intercessions, Lord’s Prayer and a blessing. The lowering of the body into the grave or placement into the tomb or crematorium may take place following the prayer of committal or at the conclusion of this rite. Those who wish may offer some gesture of leave-taking at this time.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Why do we celebrate the funeral rites?
In the funeral rites we pray for the deceased, entrusting them to God’s mercy and care. We honor the body. We comfort the living in their grief. We celebrate the funeral rites not only for the dead but also for the living.
Is cremation permitted by the Catholic Church?
Since 1963, the Church has permitted cremation as long as the Church’s teaching on the resurrection of the body is upheld.
How are the rites celebrated for someone who chooses cremation?
The Church prefers that the body be present for the Funeral Liturgy and cremated following the Final Commendation of the Liturgy. If there is a serious reason, it may be possible to celebrate the Funeral Liturgy in the presence of cremated remains.
What rites can be used for miscarried or stillborn infants?
“Funeral Rites may be celebrated for children whose parents intended them to be Baptized but who died before Baptism. In these celebrations the Christian community entrusts the child to God’s all-embracing love.” (Order of Christian Funeral #237)
What rites can be used for a suicide victim?
This person is entrusted to God’s love and mercy and is therefore entitled to the usual Funeral Rites.
What is done for a lapsed Catholic?
By virtue of Baptism this person is entitled to the prayers of the Church including the Funeral Rites.
Why do we recommend viewing in the Church before the funeral?
Gathering at the Church before the Funeral Mass begins allows family and friends a time to console one another, to say final goodbyes, and to enter into the spirit of prayer.