Christian Burial

A Catholic Perspective on how to prepare for the death of a family member or yourself.
Our Lady of Mercy has several resources available to answer questions about how to plan your own funeral or that of a loved one.  These resources explain the Churches policies on issues ranging from end of life issues, to selecting or not selecting a funeral home, as well as step by step planners to plan a Mass of Christian Burial and are available in the Parish Offices, from any of the Clergy, or the Office of Liturgy and Music. 

Note:  Eulogies or remarks are not permitted after Communion.  
They will take place 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the Funeral or after the Processional Hymn, before the Opening Prayer. 

Words of Remembrance or Remarks - "Some families wish to have a family member or friend offer words of remembrance in honor of the person who has died. This is best done at the funeral home during the wake service or afterward at a reception. However, words of remembrance may also be given at the church before the funeral service or after the entrance procession and before the opening prayer. If this option is chosen, there should be no more than two people who offer Words of Remembrance. It is helpful to have them written out. The words of remembrance may last no longer than five minutes total. "       ---from the Planning Guide for the Mass of Christian Burial

Funeral Ministry - If you are interested in assisting with funerals as a Sacristan, Extraordinary Minister
of Holy Communion, Reader or Altar Server, please contact Jayne Rose for more information:  jrose@olom.org  or 301-365-1415 x102