Funerals
"I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though he die."
Book of Common Prayer, page 491
As people of faith we are not afraid of death, but too often we are unprepared for the issues that surround end of life planning. Long before these issues are forced on us it is well to meet with a member of the clergy and a member of the vestry at Holy Advent to talk about the options before you and the importance of financial planning as well.
In addition to a will it is wise to put your personal wishes in writing, and to let those closest to you know what your preferences may be. A number of people have done this and left copies in the church office for future reference.
This includes not only the kind of Service someone wants, but wishes regarding “living wills”, making organs available for transplant, etc.
Guidelines
- Notify the clergy as early as possible. Last rites – prayers and anointing of the dying - are administered by the priest when possible, and it is desirable that members of the family and those closest to the deceased be present.
- The funeral service is best held in the church building, but may take place in a funeral parlor if the family so desires.
- A meeting with the priest should take place early in the planning process. Music and readings from Scripture are picked by the family as set out in The Burial of the Dead, p. 491 in The Book of Common Prayer.
- Members of the family and friends of the deceased are encouraged to take part in the Service as readers, ushers, etc. All of this is planned with the priest handling arrangements at Holy Advent.
- It is desirable that the Holy Eucharist be part of the Burial Service, and that the coffin be brought into church before the committal.
- Committal would normally follow the Service in a nearby cemetery. If cremation is preferred, the remains may be placed in church on a table near the Altar. Alternatively, cremation may take place after the Service.
- Those wishing to be interred in Holy Advent's Memorial Garden may do so upon discussion with the Rector.
- Flowers should be planned with the director of the Altar Guild.
- For pledging members of Holy Advent there are no fees, and the local funeral homes have been informed that they are not to add any charges for the church to their invoice. These details should be discussed with the Rector at the time that arrangements are made, when a "thank you" offering to the church would be appropriate.
- In the case of burial arrangements for persons not pledging to Holy Advent, a schedule of fees is available at the local funeral homes, and the funeral directors will add these charges to their invoice.
St. Luke's Memorial Garden
All members of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Advent and their families may be buried in the Memorial Garden. Others may be interred at the discretion of the Rector. Learn more on the St. Luke's Memorial Garden page.
