Christian Burial

When a parishioner is near death, the priest should be notified so that the Last Rites may be administered. Please also notify the priest at the time of death so that the “Ministration at the Time of Death” may be said over the body. Calls for these purposes can and should be made at any time of the day or night.

After a death, the Rector will meet with the next of kin to plan the details of the funeral service. All church members are encouraged to record their wishes concerning their funeral service and file them with the parish office, as surviving family members may not be familiar with Anglican burial customs.

The funeral service is normally held in the church. Where possible, we strongly encourage bringing the body to the church for the funeral before it is taken for burial or cremation. A Requiem Mass is the appropriate service for one who was a communicant member of the Church.

If desired, Old St. Mary’s Church may be used for “calling hours” prior to a funeral.

Funerals and memorial services may be scheduled for any time of the year, except Sundays and times when the church is being prepared for major liturgies (for example, on Christmas Eve or Holy Saturday).

The form of the service will be the authorized liturgy found in The Book of Common Prayer. Only readings from Holy Scripture are permitted. Hymns are restricted to those in the Episcopal Church’s authorized hymnal.

The Rector or officiating priest will give a brief homily during the service. “Eulogies” are not part of the Anglican tradition.

Excessive floral displays are discouraged. Instead of sending flowers to the church, it is appropriate to make a donation to the church or to charity in memory of the deceased.

There is no charge for funerals at St. Mary’s. However, fees are payable to the organist, any other musicians, and the chimer (if applicable).