We believe that through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, at our death, we are freed from illness, grief and brokenness.  We are reunited with all that we have ever loved, and brought into the loving presence of God.

 “… life is changed not ended; 

and when our mortal body lies in death, 

there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.” 

(Book of Common Prayer, page 382)

Our burial services find their meaning in the Resurrection; because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too shall be raised. The service is characterized by joy in the eternal love of God in Jesus Christ, and by our human grief at the death of a loved one. While we rejoice that a loved one is now with God, we are sorrowful with those who mourn. 

The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection.  

Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.

The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ

Jesus our Lord.”

This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord,

we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.

(Book of Common Prayer, page  507)

Please report the death of your loved one as soon as possible to the clergy of the parish. All arrangements for burial services are made in consultation with the clergy of the parish. Burial services follow the rites authorized by the Episcopal Church in the Book of Common Prayer.  The clergy will work with you to create a beautiful and meaningful service of thanksgiving for the life of your loved one.