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Dear brothers and sisters,
Losing a loved one certainly is one of the most difficult and painful experiences in life. The Church wants to accompany those who are mourning and help with the process of coping with the death of someone hear and dear to us. The prayers and support of the parish community is sincerely offered.
Oftentimes, families do not know the steps to be taken so that the deceased can have a full Christian burial. The following are guidelines that hopefully will make it easier for families planning the liturgy portion of the funeral.
Last Rites:
When a loved one is approaching his/her final journey, please contact the parish priest in order to assure that the dying person may prepare well for death fortified by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Sacrament of the Sick and the Eucharist.
Readings & Music Selection:
It is a growing custom for people who know they are approaching death to decide on the readings and music that would reflect the scriptures, which spoke to them most powerfully, and the music that moved them most deeply. If a dying one is so interested, we have a booklet that will help them make their choices.
Do not be afraid to have such conversations with the dying persons. Often, far from discouraging them, such a conversation helps them prepare well for their final moments and eases their own fears.
Funeral Preparation:
At the time of death of a loved one, the family should contact the funeral home to schedule an appointment. The funeral home will then contact the Parish to request priest availability and request a funeral date and time. Once the funeral has been scheduled with the presiding priest, the family should schedule a meeting with that priest to finalize the details.
Funeral Services:
The wake service in Louisiana most often consists in the recitation of the Rosary. The Church encourages the use of Biblical Wake Services. This then is an option that is always available.
For a Christian believer who regularly attended Eucharist, it is normal that that person be given the privilege of a full Church funeral with the body present.
Cremation:
If cremation is to take place, the Church asks that the body be present, with cremation taking place only after the funeral. For good reasons though, it is acceptable for cremation to take place before, with the cremains being present for funeral Mass.
Again, do know that we as your Catholic Church Community of Our Lady of Prompt Succor want you to know our prayers are with you at your hour of sorrow. Also, if there is any other way in which we can help you through these difficult hours, please inform us and we will do our best to meet your need.
