FUNERALS @ ST. MARGARET'S
When someone we love dies, we want to say goodbye in a proper, fitting way. While we mourn their death, we also yearn to celebrate the life they shared with us. The Episcopal liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds its meaning in the resurrection. 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. At St. Margaret’s we strive to recognize all these pastoral needs as one we love approaches death as well as at the time of death.
What do I do when someone I love is dying or has died?
The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to the clergy of St. Margaret’s Church. When a family member is approaching death, it is often helpful for the clergy to be notified. There are many lovely ways to pray with a dying loved one and your clergy can help you do this.
What do I do once my loved one has died?
The hospital or hospice or nursing home will make arrangements for the body to be transported to the funeral home or cremation society. If you need help finding a funeral home, please consult the clergy for advice. Once the body is at the funeral home, the funeral director there will help you with the obituary notice and care of the body for burial or cremation.
We have prepared a document to help you plan your own funeral or make final decisions about the celebration of a loved one’s life. The clergy are always available to help you make these important plans.
Funeral Planning Guide- updated June 2023
Funeral Fees & Contract- updated August, 2023
For more information, contact the church office at 410-974-0200 or email churchyard@st-margarets.org.
When someone we love dies, we want to say goodbye in a proper, fitting way. While we mourn their death, we also yearn to celebrate the life they shared with us. The Episcopal liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds its meaning in the resurrection. 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. At St. Margaret’s we strive to recognize all these pastoral needs as one we love approaches death as well as at the time of death.
What do I do when someone I love is dying or has died?
The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to the clergy of St. Margaret’s Church. When a family member is approaching death, it is often helpful for the clergy to be notified. There are many lovely ways to pray with a dying loved one and your clergy can help you do this.
What do I do once my loved one has died?
The hospital or hospice or nursing home will make arrangements for the body to be transported to the funeral home or cremation society. If you need help finding a funeral home, please consult the clergy for advice. Once the body is at the funeral home, the funeral director there will help you with the obituary notice and care of the body for burial or cremation.
We have prepared a document to help you plan your own funeral or make final decisions about the celebration of a loved one’s life. The clergy are always available to help you make these important plans.
Funeral Planning Guide- updated June 2023
Funeral Fees & Contract- updated August, 2023
For more information, contact the church office at 410-974-0200 or email churchyard@st-margarets.org.
