The Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, by his death and resurrection, destroyed death forever. Therefore the faithful 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. We pray for the person who has died remembering their relationship with the Risen Lord Jesus and the gift of everlasting life.
We are also all called to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, and to comfort those who mourn. The faithful participate in the ministry of consolation to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Consolation is rooted in the hope that comes from Christ’s death and resurrection. With this hope we face the reality of death and grief with an attitude of trust.
A Funeral Liturgy (Mass) is the central liturgical celebration of the faith community for the deceased and those who grieve the loss of a loved one. The Church encourages the celebration of the Mass. When Mass cannot be celebrated, the Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass is celebrated.