I am the  resurrection and the life, says the Lord, whoever believes in me even though he die, will live. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
 
We extend to you our deepest condolences as you grieve the death of your loved one. You are in our prayers for healing and strength. We want to gently accompany you. We are ready to offer you counsel and support as you struggle with the finality of death, and are reassured of eternal life for the ones you love dearly.

At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the living waters of baptism and strengthened during mass at the Eucharistic table, the church prays for those who have died because we have confident belief that death is not the end. Death does not break the bonds of love forged in life.
We want to minister to you in your grief. You will find hope and new life in the funeral rites; both with the comforting Word of God at the wake and committal services, and at the Funeral Mass.
 
The Priests, Deacons and
Consolation Ministry of
St. Kilian Parish
 
“The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, and no torment shall touch them.”
    
St. Kilian Rectory -The Initial Meeting with a Minister of Consolation
As you grieve, we encourage you to take an active part in the celebration of the funeral rites, especially the vigil for the deceased (wake service), the funeral mass, and the rite of committal at the cemetery. Let our prayer and praise of God be a celebration of our loved one's life, and in the mercy of God, eternal life.
 

The Vigil for the Deceased and the Wake Service
The Christian community will keep watch with you in your sadness. The God of mercy who delivers us from death, will be present among us in prayer. We will hear the hope-filled Word of God in the Wake Service. The service is offered by a priest or deacon at the funeral home in the afternoon or evening before the Funeral Mass. Are there specific Scripture readings that you would like the priest or deacon to proclaim? We encourage family members to speak positively about the deceased, especially about their belief in Jesus Christ.
 
“Eternal rest grant to him/her oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him/her.”
 
The Funeral Mass
The Consolation Ministers will involve you in the planning of the funeral liturgy: in the choice of readings, prayers, and music. You can designate family and friends as ushers or pallbearers. You can decide who will place the Pall on the casket (representing the baptism garment), and the crucifix on the Pall.
In the proclamation of the Scriptures, read by the Cantor or Parish Lector, the saving Word of God brings inspiration and encouragement. 
Belief in eternal life is central to our faith in Christ. At Mass, we will hear God’s Word’s of life and love; and call to mind the death conquering crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in the Eucharistic prayer. Finally, we will be nourished by the Body and Blood of the Lord to live the life of Christ in today’s world. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood shall live forever.” In Communion, we have a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that awaits us all.
(The time of the Mass is arranged through the Funeral Director that you have contacted).
 
​The Committal Service
At the conclusion of the Funeral Mass, the funeral procession is formed and the body is accompanied to the place of committal. This final procession mirrors the journey of human life as a pilgrimage to God’s kingdom of peace and light, the new and eternal Jerusalem. A priest or deacon from our parish will conduct the Committal Service at the local cemeteries – unless ministry responsibilities do not allow for this.  The Catholic cemeteries have clergy present to provide the interment prayers.  Your Funeral Director will arrange for this service.
 
Music at the Funeral Mass
The services of a professional organist and singer are provided by the parish.  They will provide and plan the music appropriate for the funeral Mass with the help of our Minister of Consolation, Please choose hymns that reflect the resurrection of Christ, and our belief in eternal life. The hymns may be selected from the worship aid provided by the Ministry of Consolation. 
 
Eulogy for the Deceased
The priest’s or deacon’s homily after the Gospel is directed to the mystery of life and death and our beliefs about the life nger who to come.  His words center on the Paschal Mystery of Christ and our incorporation into that mystery through faith.  A brief and more personal reflection on the deceased person (eulogy), if desired, should be given at the Wake Service or at the cemetery.  The reflection should include reference to the deceased as a person of faith.
For pastoral reasons, a brief eulogy may be given before the funeral mass begins, as family and friends come together around the body of their loved one in the Gathering Area of our church. These words of remembrance need to focus on the faith in Christ of the one who has died. Please let us know if this is desired while planning the funeral.
 
The Ministry of Consolation
Volunteers from St. Kilian Parish will be present to help you through this difficult time.  They will offer you any guidance that may be needed during this process.  It is our deep felt desire that you receive the comforting care you need. Know that the parish is sharing your grief. Ministers of consolation will be present during the Funeral Mass to assist you in participating.
 
The Church Offering
The customary church offering for the Funeral services will be indicated by the Funeral Director. The organist and singer fees are separate.

Extraordinary Circumstances
When the family chooses only a Burial Service (without a Mass) in the Funeral Home, the priest or deacon will conduct a prayer service only.  We recommend that you arrange to have a Mass offered at a later time for your loved one. 
 
Cremation
The Church prefers burial because of our relationship with the Death and Resurrection of Jesus and our belief in the resurrection of the dead.  However, the Church permits cremation.
“Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” If a funeral mass Mass follow the cremation, the cremains  may be brought into the church and placed on a table in the middle aisle, and blessed in the beginning of the Mass. 
 
Masses for the Deceased
It is our custom as Catholics to offer prayers and sacrifices for our deceased loved ones.  We are able to help them in their final journey to God with our prayers and sacrifices.  It is a good thing to arrange for Masses to be offered for your loved ones on a birthday, anniversary or any date.  This may be done at any church. 
  
We would have to be clear about those who sleep in death; otherwise you might yield to grief, like those who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, God will bring forth with him from the dead those also who have fallen asleep believing in Him...  Thenceforth we shall be with the Lord unceasingly.  Console one another with this message.” (I Thes. 4:13-18