A Message from Our Parish Family
May God’s Peace, which is beyond all understanding, be with you in this time of grief for you and your family. From the Friars and Staff, our condolences to you and your family for your loss.
We, at Our Lady of Grace, understand that if you have just experienced the death of a loved one you may be feeling confused, sad, stunned, and even overwhelmed by your loss. We are here to offer both comfort and great hope for the future.
Catholics believe that at death “Life is changed, not ended.” Death is a passage to a new and fuller life, and ultimately to resurrection and eternal union with God.
“If the spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, lives in you, then he who raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the presence of his spirit in you.” Romans 8:11
Although death brings a deep sense of sadness and loss, faith provides solace and strength. It is time when we encounter the things of God and our belief in Him in a new way. It is a time for us to support and console one another especially in our belief in the gift of eternal life. So, when as Christians we encounter death, we are drawn to prayer—to pray for those who have died and to pray for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
The Church emphasizes life in the funeral liturgy. The resurrection is the theme and the readings, hymns, and prayers reflect the overall tone of expectant joy.
When we celebrate death in the Church and if the loved one is baptized Catholic, it is customary to celebrate a Mass of Christian burial, however there are circumstances that may allow for a funeral service outside of the Mass.
The Funeral Planning Forms are provided for you to gather the information that would be helpful in communicating your preferences for the funeral celebration of a loved one when you meet with the funeral director, the priest, and the music director. Please bring the Funeral Planning Forms to our Parish Office at the time of your appointment with the priest. If you are unable to print the forms please call the Parish Office at 510-537-0806 or stop in to pick up a packet.
Pre-Planning A Funeral
You may want to use the Funeral Planning Forms to assist you in planning and communicating preferences for your funeral in advance. Pre-planning allows you to communicate to loved ones the scriptural reading, hymns, and prayers that best capture your faith and hope in the resurrection as well as reflect your life as a disciple of Christ. Furthermore, you may want to identify preferences for pall bearers, offertory gift bearers, scripture readers and possibly a person to offer the eulogy.
Thank you for contacting Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. We are here to help.