Funerals

Catholic Funerals
In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, broke the chains of sin and death that bound humanity. The Order of Christian Funerals is divided into three groups of rites that correspond to the three ritual movements in the funeral of Christians. These three movements form one procession from the funeral home to the church and to the cemetery and include: the Vigil service (wake), Funeral Liturgy and Rite of Committal. It is the usual custom that the funeral of Christians includes these three movements. Although this is customary, other options may be available.
Cremation
In recent years, the Catholic Church has lifted the prohibition against the practice of cremation and has revised the rites for services with cremated remains. While the Church favors cremation after the funeral liturgy, it realizes that financial constraints or other circumstances may result in the desire for cremation before the funeral service. The cremains can be brought into the church for the Funeral Mass. Typically, a minister will accompany the cremated remains to the cemetery for committal after the funeral. The Church discourages the practice of dividing or scattering cremains. It is possible to have a picture of the deceased placed in the entrance of the church or near the guest book.
Times for Funeral Masses
According to diocesan guidelines, funeral Masses can be held on any day of the year except a Sunday, a Holy Day or during the Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday). The usual time for funerals at Our Lady of the Gulf is 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.  Saturday funerals must be scheduled for no later than 1:00 p.m.  Please check with the parish before scheduling funerals with the funeral home.