The Burial of the Dead
The burial of the dead is a Christian duty and a corporal work of mercy. In burying the dead, Christians commend the soul of the departed to the love and mercy of Almighty God and they commit the deceased’s body to the earth in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection from the dead. At St Timothy’s, this is done with faith, reverence, and in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer and the customs of the parish. This page is to assist the family in making the liturgical decisions for the burial. It is assumed that a conversation with the parish priest has taken place. If not, please contact Fr Steve Rice (frsteve@sttimothys.ws).
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray thee to set thy passion, cross, and death, between thy judgement and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living, pardon and rest to the dead, to thy holy Church peace and concord, and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
PLANNING THE FUNERAL
General Information
The liturgical color for the burial of adults is black or violet. The color for children is white.
The Altar Flowers will be provided by the parish. Flowers that are delivered will be placed in the ECW Hall.
Bulletins will be provided by the parish.
The use of the ECW Hall or Drake Hall is available for a reception following the burial upon request.
Pictures and other mementos may be placed in the ECW Hall or Drake Hall or in the narthex.
If the deceased is a veteran, the flag may be placed near the body.
Masonic rites are not a part of Christian burial and will be allowed only after the burial is completed.
Hymns and anthems must be from the Episcopal Church Hymnal or other approved source. Prerecorded music is not appropriate.
Eulogies or statements from the family are generally not a part of the service but are welcome at the reception.
To assist in writing the obituary, the name of the service is either the Burial of the Dead (when there is no communion) or Requiem Mass (if there is communion). It is not called a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life.