The death of a loved one is always a painful and difficult time, no matter the circumstances. Committing our departed friend to God’s eternal care is a solemn occasion for the life of the Christian community and the family of the deceased. The information on this web page is designed to orient those new to St. Mark’s and the Episcopal Church to how we understand and conduct services for Christian Burial in this parish. With this awareness, you can tell whether or not this understanding expresses with integrity what you intend by celebrating this rite within the community of St. Mark’s. For information on interment in St. Mark’s Cemetery, click the “Cemetery” link on the left.
The time of death is a moment of finality and loss. For Christians, however, death is not the last word in our lives. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are given a relationship with God that will last forever. In Baptism, we have died with Christ that we might be raised with him to the kingdom of heaven. The Service for Christian Burial, therefore, is a service of the resurrection and a celebration of this gift of new life. Because of this, the Burial service is held at St. Mark’s church building and usually includes the celebration of Holy Communion. Arrangements for a Burial service, its content and format, will be made by the priest, in keeping with the Book of Common Prayer [click here for a link to an online BCP]. The funeral home personnel should also coordinate their plans with the priest. The remains (in casket or urn) are present for the service; the casket is closed before the service and remains closed thereafter.
The Burial service in the Episcopal Church begins with words of comfort from Holy Scriptures, readings from the Old and New Testaments, a psalm, a reading from one of the Gospel accounts, a homily from the priest and prayers for the departed and his or her family and friends. The service then usually continues with the Eucharist (Communion), followed by prayers commending the departed to Almighty God. We then proceed to the grave where, in sure and certain hope of the resurrection, we commit our friend to God, and his or her remains to the ground, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Though it may be appropriate for one person to offer brief remembrances of the deceased, a eulogy or an open time for several speeches is not appropriate in a worship service such as this. Music and other elements such as videography or photography should bear this context in mind. Family members should speak with the priest to plan the service and any of these elements. Often, receptions before or after the service provide the most appropriate time to celebrate and remember the life of our friend in greater detail, sharing with family and friends the blessings that we will always remember. There are no fees for the services of the priest. There is a $150 fee for the Minister of Music, and a $50 fee for preparation and clean-up of the church building. Please contact our priest, The Rev. Tom Pumphrey, for more information [click here to email]. May God be with you always.