Death of a Christian and the Support of OurLady of Refuge Catholic Church

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CHRISTIAN DEATH

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-4)

Because of Christ, Christian death has a positive meaning: For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Phil 1:21) Jesus has conquered sin and death. We have become one with Him through Baptism and participation in the Eucharist, and share in His victory over death. For the Catholic who lives faithfully in Christ, physical death is not the end, but rather the beginning of new life. We are called to be with Him forever in the glory of heaven.

In 1998 the Gallup organization conducted a survey of 1,200 Americans on spiritual beliefs and on the dying process. Survey findings confirm the value of Catholic beliefs about death and dying. Survey findings state:

People desire human contact when dying, just having someone close to share their fear and concerns, holding their hand or touching them . . . People desire spiritual comfort, having the opportunity to pray alone, to have someone pray for them, to have someone help them become spiritually at peace, or to have someone praying with them . . .

It is the Church’s desire that, when a person approaches death, the family and faith community be present. The Church wants to help the person prepare for the journey of death through prayer and the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick. Following death, the Church remains present to honor the deceased and celebrate his/her transition to new life through the Liturgy of the Mass of Resurrection and prayers of burial. The Church also wishes to be present to the family and friends who are grieving the passing of their loved one.

Illness in the Family

If you have a family member, friend or neighbor who is ill and wants the prayer, Sacraments and comfort of the Church, notify the chaplain’s office if he/she is in a hospital. Also notify the parish office so that the ill person can receive the prayer of the community and the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick. Call:

(562) 498-6641

Death of a Family Member

Upon the death of a family member, call the parish office:

(562) 498-6641

The parish secretary will set up an appointment for you to speak with a priest about your deceased family member, and to make arrangements for the funeral Mass and burial. A member of the Bereavement Committee will help you plan the Liturgy for your loved one and assist you with your needs.

Links - Christian Death

If you want more information about Catholic belief on death and new life, or if you want help with the grieving process or planning a funeral, click on the following links:

Christian View of Death

Catholic Beliefs about Life after Death

Helping a Friend Who is Dying

Hard Choices for Loving People

A Guide to Grief

Knowledge of the Grief Process

Advanced Health Care Directive (Living Will)
Click on the above link to download an Advanced Health Care Directive form. This form is provided by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to help readers address end of life and health issues in the context of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Children and Grief

Living with Dying

What to Do When Death Occurs

Catholic Funeral Rites and Customs

Planning a Catholic Funeral

Eulogies – Do they Belong at a Catholic Funeral?

Cremation

Cemeteries in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Cemeteries in the Diocese of Orange

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CHRISTIAN DEATH

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-4)

Illness in the Family

Death of a Family Member

Upon the death of a family member, call the parish office:

Links - Christian Death

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SACRAMENTAL LIFE