Infant Baptism preparation sessions for parents are held monthly. Parents are required to attend one of these preparation sessions to help them better understand the importance of the sacrament, not just for the baby, but also for them and for the entire Church community.
Parents may do this preparation during pregnancy or after the baby’s birth. They are welcome to bring their baby to the session, especially if this means both parents can attend. Godparents are invited and encouraged to take part in this preparation.
For more information or to register for a session, please contact Annie at the Parish Office (302) 731-2200 or aahar@holyangels.net.
Baptisms are celebrated at weekly Masses (Saturday evening or Sunday morning) at Holy Angels Church or St. John’s Church. Information about how to schedule your baby’s baptism is available at the preparation session. We do not celebrate baptisms during weekend Mass during the Season of Lent, in keeping with the ancient custom of the Church.
Who can be a Godparent?
A godparent is one who is a role model, an “active” Catholic, one who is at ease with practicing and talking about their faith and about their personal relationship with God. According to Canon Law (the Laws of the Catholic Church), to be a Catholic Godparent for Baptism, the following conditions must be met:
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Must be a “fully initiated Catholic;” that is, they must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
- If married, their marriage must be in accord with the laws of the Catholic Church.
- Must be a Catholic who fully practices and lives their faith as part of a parish community.
- They cannot be the mother or father of the baby being baptized.
- There can only be one female and one male Godparent.
All baptisms require at least one Catholic Godparent. If you have only one person who fits the above condition, the other witness to the sacrament may be a “Christian Witness”, a person who is baptized in another Christian Church and will be a suitable spiritual mentor for your child. Please note that a person who is baptized Catholic cannot be a Christian Witness. A Catholic must meet the above criteria for Catholic Godparents; no exceptions.
If you have any questions, please bring them to the preparation session. We look forward to meeting you there!
Scripture Options (Readings)
About the Readings
In every celebration for the dead, the Church attaches great importance to the reading of the word of God. The readings proclaim to the Assembly (those gathered) the Paschal Mystery (Christ has died, is risen, and Christ will come again). Above all, the readings tell of God’s designs for a world in which suffering and death will relinquish their hold on all whom God has called his own.
A careful selection and use of readings from Scripture for the funeral rites will provide the family and the community with an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their needs, sorrows, fears, and hopes (Order of Christian Funerals, #22).
In collaboration with the priest or other parish minister assisting you, select one each from the choices for First Reading, Second Reading, and Gospel Reading. Please note that non-biblical texts cannot replace Scriptural readings at the Funeral Mass. Also, the Scripture readings cannot be edited or changed.
Please contact the office of Music & Liturgy (Director Jean Toman: 302-731-2219)
How to Pick the Readings
- UT or NT: One Scripture for the First Reading
- If the funeral liturgy is NOT during the Easter Season, the First Reading is from the Old Testament,select from the “OT” section.
- If the funeral liturgy is during the Easter Season (the 50 days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday) the First Reading is taken from the New Testament, select from the “NT” section
- NT: The Second Reading is always taken from the New Testament , Select from the “NT” Selection
- G: The Gospel Reading is chosen from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, Select from the”G” Selection (Please check with the Presider of the funeral liturgy before selecting; they may wish to select this reading for you.)
Attachments:
Funeral Music Options
Music in the Funeral Liturgy
“Lord for your faithful people, life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place on heaven.”
As Christians, we believe that death is a transition, not an end. We believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. We believe that by dying he destroyed our death, and through his rising, he restored our life. We are participants in the Resurrection, not simply spectators. This participation begins with our baptism and will continue through the transition of death.
“Music is integral to the funeral rites. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the [gathered] Assembly in faith and love” (Order of Christian Funerals, #30).
The attached list of suggested music reflects our beliefs. It is not intended to be a definitive list of approved liturgical funeral music; however, it is a starting point. (Secular or non-liturgical music is not permitted during the funeral rites.) You are enouraged to pray, then to review the attached list of hymns and psalms—making your choice for each musical prayer moment in the liturgy.
If you need any assistance, please email the parish Director of Liturgy & Music, Jean Toman , 302-731-2435
Attachements:
Catholic Funeral Rites and Customs
The Rites
The Catholic Church offers distinct occasions for common prayer at the time of funerals. The Order of Christian Funerals contains three clusters of Rites:
- The Vigil
- The Funeral Liturgy, and Final Commendation and Farewell
- The Rite of Committal
The Funeral Rites also provide other opportunities for prayer. These Related Rites and Prayers are: Prayers after Death, Gathering in the Presence of the Body, and Transfer of the Body to the Church or to the Place of Committal.
The Funeral Rites, like all the Church’s liturgy, are primarily worship of God. Care needs to be taken to preserve the integrity of the Church’s prayer, and of the homily, while remaining personable and sensitive to those present.
The Rites for adults are different from the Rites for children and infants. These Rites apply to baptized Catholics, and also catechumens, unbaptized infants, and in special circumstances, those who are not Catholic.
By family preference or pastoral concern, any single rite may be used as the sole Funeral Rite. Consultation with your priest or parish minister can help determine your funeral selections.
The Vigil
This Rite, presided over by a priest, deacon, or prepared layperson (or member of the family) generally consists of: Introductory Rite, Liturgy of the Word, Intercessory Prayer and Concluding Rite and Blessing. Also strongly recommended is the Office of the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours.
The rosary, or a portion of it, may be included as part of the petitions within this Rite, or preferably, it may be recited by the family at a time other than the Vigil. If the Vigil is celebrated in church, it begins with the Rite of Reception.
The Funeral Liturgy
The Funeral Liturgy (Mass) is the community’s principal celebration. Generally, the Funeral Liturgy comprises: The Rite of Reception (unless already celebrated as part of the Vigil), the Liturgy of the Word, The Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Final Commendation and Farewell.
The priest presides at Mass, assisted by a full complement of liturgical ministers – lectors, canto, musicians, servers, etc. These ministerial roles are performed by trained parish ministers or by members of the deceased’s family or friends, if properly prepared.
The Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass
In special circumstances, such as the absence of the body of the deceased (because of cremation, burial elsewhere, etc.) or if those participating are not Catholic, the Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass may be a more suitable form of celebration. In this case the Rite of Committal at the cemetery may take place at a later time.
A deacon or lay person may preside at a Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass which may be chosen for a variety of reasons.
The Rite of Committal
The Rite of Committal, the final of the Funeral Rites, may be presided over by priest, deacon or layperson. It is best celebrated in close proximity to the actual burial place – grave, tomb or crematorium.
This rite is intentionally brief. However, if this is the sole Funeral Rite, it may be expanded to include the Rite of Final Commendation or additional music and readings, a brief homily, and petitions.
What Should I Do When a Loved One Dies?
When death occurs, after you provide for the initial care of the body of the deceased, the parish should be contacted first.
Who Should Be Involved in Funeral Preparation?
Family members and close friends of the deceased are encouraged to have an active role in preparing and choosing the elements of the Funeral Rite. If possible, with preparation, they may preside at designated Rites or perform some ministerial roles.
Today individuals and families often plan the funeral before a person’s death. Such preplanning can have the effect of helping families face the reality of death with Christian hope. It can also help relieve the family of numerous details after the death and may allow them to benefit more fully from the celebration of the Funeral Rites.
Is Cremation Allowed?
Although traditional burial procedure which reflects respect for the body is still normal Catholic practice, cremation is allowed by the Catholic Church for justifiable reasons. Cremation would ordinarily take place after the Funeral Liturgy. These remains should never be scattered or handled in a undignified manner, but are to be interred or inurned in a cemetery columbarium. The discussion of cremation would be beneifical to have with your parish priest.
Article Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
GUIDELINES FOR CATHOLIC FUNERALS
Catholic Funeral Guidelines
Diocese of Wilmington
Catholic Funeral Guidelines
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let Perpetual Light shine upon them.
May their souls
and the souls
of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
May 2012
My Dear Friends in Christ,
The Catholic Church has a long history and experience of helping people to prepare spiritually for death and assisting families dealing with the sickness, death, burial and bereavement of a loved one.
Gathering the wisdom of the Church’s long experience, I offer these words to priests, permanent deacons, lay ministers, funeral providers, grieving Catholic families and all Catholics in the Diocese of Wilmington.
There is a trend among some of our Catholic people to omit the traditional Catholic funeral rites when they experience the death of their loved ones in favor of a prayer service at the funeral home or a private graveside service. In many cases it is because the children of the deceased have not been active participants in the sacramental life of the Church. Nothing is more heart breaking than to hear about a life-long devoted Catholic was laid to rest without the benefits of a Funeral Mass.
While our dedicated priests, permanent deacons and lay ministers will minister to people in their time of need, regardless of a family’s decisions, I want to encourage Catholic priests, permanent deacons, lay ministers funeral providers and grieving Catholic families to promote together the use of the Catholic funeral ritual.
Three separate and sequential rites are proposed as the most fitting way to celebrate this pilgrimage of the deceased Christian: The Vigil for the Deceased (often referred to as the Wake), the Funeral Liturgy (or Mass of Christian Burial), and the Rite of Committal. The physical movement or procession from one place to another for the celebration of these rites can add to the sense of journey or pilgrimage and contribute to the experience of separation through which mourners must pass before they are able to re-center their lives after the death of a family member or friend.
We must work together to educate and counsel our Catholic families so that they understand and appreciate the spiritual and emotional support derived from a full and active participation in the Catholic funeral ritual.
I appeal to Catholic family members making decisions about funeral arrangements for their relatives. Please consider the deepest hopes and desires of your loved ones in their best days and make the right choice to celebrate our Catholic funeral liturgy. The Eucharist helps to heal the sorrow that comes from the loss of a loved one. This may very well be a special moment of grace for you and your family. The celebration of the Catholic funeral rites promotes a healthy grieving process that can lead to deep levels of personal conversion and spiritual growth. In contrast, the avoidance of these funeral rites may short-circuit grief and healing.
Our Catholic tradition urges the Church today to face death with honest rituals that preserve its Christian and human values. Since, in rising to new life, Christ won victory over death for His followers, faith impels the Church to celebrate that victory in its funeral liturgies. I also commend to you the use of our Catholic cemeteries which are a visible sign of our Catholic beliefs about death, eternal life and the communion of saints.
I thank you all in advance for your cooperation and zeal in promoting the consistent use of our Catholic funeral rites. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly
Bishop of Wilmington
Norms for Catholic Burial Diocese of Wilmington
The Catholic Understanding of Death
“In the face of death, the church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity. Christ ‘achieved his task of redeeming humanity and giving perfect glory to God, principally by the paschal mystery of his blessed passion, resurrection from the dead, and glorious ascension’.” (Order of Christian Funerals [OCF, 1])
“At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of her confident belief that death is not the end nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.” (OCF, 4)
Through the celebration of the funeral rites, particularly the Vigil for the Deceased, the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal the Church calls for the active participation of all.
I. General Principles and Norms
1. In the Diocese of Wilmington the Order of Christian Funerals (1989) is to be used as the normative liturgical ritual for the celebration of the funeral rites.
2. The three separate and sequential rituals in the funeral rites are: the Vigil and Related Rites and Prayers, the Funeral Liturgy (or Mass of Christian Burial) and the Rite of Committal. While there are distinct rituals, the funeral rites as a whole are a single movement of prayer which need to be celebrated integrally. The General Introduction and the Introduction to each rite or group of rites, set forth guiding principles for the proper liturgical celebration of these various rites.
3. It is the responsibility of each pastor to ensure that these liturgical principles are respected, understood, and used with pastoral sensitivity by all those, namely, priests, deacons, and lay persons, who participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn.
4. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the Pastor to both inform the funeral service providers of the proper order and liturgical expression of the funeral rites as set forth in the Order of Christian Funerals and to ensure that they are followed according to the desire of the Church.
5. The Church encourages the full celebration of the funeral rites, especially the Funeral Mass, for her faithful deceased members. No one should be denied the Church’s funeral rites because of the neglect of the practice of the faith of their family members. It is the responsibility of the Pastor to ensure that the funeral rites are available for these persons.
6. Every Catholic, unless specifically excluded according to the norms of Church law, is entitled to the Church’s ministry at the time of death.
II. Special Pastoral Concerns
1. Cremation
Respect for the human body is envisioned in the funeral rites of the Church.
“The body of the deceased Catholic Christian is also the body once washed in Baptism, anointed with the oil of salvation, and fed with the Bread of Life. Thus, the Church’s reverence of the sacredness of the human body grows out of a reverence and concern both natural and supernatural for the human person. The body of the deceased brings forcefully to mind the Church’s conviction that the human body is in Christ a temple of the Holy Spirit and is destined for future glory at the resurrection of the dead.” (OCF, 412)
“Although cremation is now permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites.” (OCF, 413)
“When extraordinary circumstances make the cremation of the body the only feasible choice, pastoral sensitivity must be exercised by priests, deacons, and others who minister to the family of the deceased.” (OCF, 415)
“The cremated remains of a body must be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the cremated remains, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practices of dividing, commingling and scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased is not permitted. Whenever possible, appropriate means for recording with dignity the memory of the deceased should be adopted, such as a plaque or stone which records the name of the deceased.” (OCF, 417)
Therefore, in the Diocese of Wilmington the following norms are to be observed:
1. When the choice has been made to cremate a body, it is strongly recommended that the cremation take place after the Funeral Liturgy followed by the proper disposition of the remains according to the norms of the Church, that is, burial in a grave, or entombment in a mausoleum or columbarium. The Rite of Committal is conducted at the time of burial or entombment.
2. If cremation takes place before the Funeral Liturgy the following protocols are in order during the Celebration of the Funeral Mass:
a. The introductory rites are held including the blessing of the urn. The celebrant greets the family at the doors of the church or in the gathering area, it is suggested that you provide a table where the urn can be placed during the introductory rites and blessing. The urn is then brought to the front of the church and placed on a table at its customary place in front of the paschal candle. Placing cremated remains within a casket to give the false impression of a full body is strictly prohibited.
A pall or any other covering is not placed on the urn.
During Mass, prayers that do not make reference to the honoring or burying of the body of the deceased, should be chosen instead of those which have these themes.
The final commendation is held including the incensing of the urn.
The cremated remains are then taken to the cemetery for the committal service.
*It is strongly urged that the committal of the cremated remains takes place immediately following Mass, as is the custom for the corporal remains of a human body. In rare instances the committal may be delayed because of extenuating circumstances such as the deceased being buried at an out of state cemetery. In instances where the burial is delayed, the alternate form of dismissal found on page 5 of the “Order of Christian Funeral Appendix for Cremation” is used. Before granting permission for the cremated remains to be present for the Mass of Christian Burial, the priest should have assurance from the funeral service provider and the family that the cremated remains will be properly interred or entombed within a reasonable amount of time. If this fact cannot be properly ascertained, it is a legitimate reason to disallow the Funeral Mass with the cremated remains present and requirethat a Memorial Mass be offered instead.
2. Music for the Funeral Liturgy
a. “Music is integral to the funeral rites. It allows the faith community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love.” (OCF, 30)
b. In some pastoral settings, there has been an increasing confusion about the appropriate types of music for funerals. An almost “anything goes” mentality has crept into the funeral rites, that is the Vigil (Wake), the Funeral Mass, and the Committal.
d. Non-liturgical or secular music is forbidden before or during the funeral rites, particularly in the Church.
e. The celebrant, in collaboration with the parish’s, Director of Music/Liturgy, is to approve and authorize the use of proper liturgical music for all the funeral rites.
3. The Homily and the Remembrance of the Deceased
“A brief homily based on the readings should always be given at the funeral liturgy. The homilist should dwell on God’s compassionate love and on the Paschal Mystery of the Lord as proclaimed in the Scripture readings.” (OCF, 141)
“The homilist should also help the members of the assembly to understand that the mystery of God’s love and the mystery of Jesus’ victorious death and resurrection were present in the life and death of the deceased and that these mysteries are active in their own lives as well. Through the homily members of the family and community should receive consolation and strength to face the death of one of their members with a hope nourished by the saving word of God.” (OCF, 27)
The fact that a homily focuses on the Paschal Mystery does not mean that there is to be no reference to the deceased person. The homilist helps the bereaved to understand the mystery of
The Order of Christian Funerals recognizes the need to reflect on the life of the loved one who has just died by providing an invitation in the Vigil for the Deceased to a member or friend of the family to speak in remembrance of the deceased person just before the concluding rite. The same invitation may be offered before the opening prayer of the Funeral Mass or after the Prayer after Communion of the Funeral Mass.
Therefore, in the Diocese of Wilmington the following norms are to be observed:
1. In the Diocese of Wilmington, it is recommended that the Vigil (Wake) is the most appropriate time for members of the family and friends to share memories of the deceased or to pay tribute to the deceased through vocal remembrances, photographs, favorite songs, etc.
2. The reception after the burial is another appropriate time for the remembrances because there is less of an emotional burden and the context is looking toward the future in a more positive manner.
3. If a family member wishes to express appreciation or say something in remembrance at Mass, the following are to be observed:
Only one family member or friend is to speak.
The words to be shared must be in writing and approved in advance by the celebrant.
Because of the intensity of emotions at the time of a funeral, the person who will speak is to be brief, that is, no more than five minutes.
This faith-remembrance is to take place prior to the opening prayer or after the Prayer after Communion.
Because this is not part of the Liturgy of the Word, this remembrance is not to take place at the ambo, but at another appropriate place of the celebrant’s choosing.
4. Mass of Christian Burial in a Funeral Home or Cemetery Chapel
These guidelines reflect the usual practice of the Rite of Christian Burial being conducted in three places: the home of the deceased (to which the funeral home is equated), the parish church where the deceased received the sacraments, and the cemetery. Where special circumstances are involved (handicapped survivors, deceased from another diocese with no local parish affiliation) permission from the respective pastor is to be requested and not presumed for Mass outside of the church.
5. Catholic Cemeteries
1. The preferred place of burial or entombment for the earthly remains of a deceased Catholic is a Catholic Cemetery. These sacred places are reliquaries of the Saints. Regularly scheduled Masses of Remembrance and special liturgical celebrations throughout the year affirm the sacred nature of the Catholic Cemetery. In the event that a deceased Catholic is interred or entombed in a non-sectarian or military cemetery the grave or crypt should be individually blessed at the time of the committal. Members of Catholic families belonging to other religious denominations may be buried in Catholic Cemeteries. In the spirit of ecumenism, other Christian denominations without comparable facilities of their own may also be buried in Catholic Cemeteries.
2. Low Cost Burials:
Upon a Parish Priest’s written confirmation that a deceased Catholic requires financial consideration, the Cemetery will provide a low cost burial option as follows:
If the Deceased owns no grave, Catholic Cemeteries will provide a grave at All Saints Cemetery and the interment fee at a reduced charge. The funeral director is responsible for providing the vault.
If the deceased owns a grave at Cathedral or All Saints Cemetery, Catholic Cemeteries will provide the interment fee at a reduced charge. The funeral director is responsible for providing the vault.
6. Keeping the Memory of the Deceased
In keeping with our Catholic tradition, all are encouraged to ensure that the memory of our dead is observed in the following ways:
Offering of Masses for the deceased, especially on the anniversary of death.
Parish Remembrance on All Souls Day.
A Parish Celebration of Mass for the recently deceased of the last year during the month of November.
The encouragement of cemetery visitation.
Praying for the Living and the Dead.
7. Pastoral Options for Consideration
a. In cases where the deceased does not have a large family or circle of friends, the
Funeral Mass may be celebrated at one of the regularly scheduled daily Masses in the parish. The presence of the daily Mass community is extremely consoling to the mourners. A core group of readers, Eucharistic ministers, musical ministers and servers may emerge from the daily Mass attendees.
b. If two or more families or a religious community desire it. A Funeral Mass may be celebrated for more than one person.
c. When a wake is permitted in the parish church it is preferred that it occur in the gathering area separate from the main worship space. If a wake is held within the worship space, The Vigil for the Deceased with Reception at the Church (OCF #82) is to be celebrated. When this Vigil for the Deceased is held in the parish church, the priest or deacon is to be vested in an alb and stole. Depending upon local parish practice, lay ministers may be vested in an alb.
d. Funeral services professionals are expected to use proper terminology as follows Visitation will be held at the funeral home with the Vigil for the Deceased being held at (time)/ Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at…/ Immediately following Mass Committal Services will be held at…
e. Depending upon local needs someone other than the celebrant of the Funeral Mass may preside at the Committal Service. In the Diocese of Wilmington, the preference is for a permanent deacon or a trained lay minister to officiate at the committal service.
f. The practice of separating the Funeral Mass and Committal by attending a luncheon or reception is not appropriate. Lunches and receptions are to be scheduled after the committal prayers at the cemetery whenever possible.
Office of Worship Diocese of Wilmington
June 2008