The first call following the death of a loved one should be to a funeral home of your choosing. The funeral director will contact the Pastoral Center office to make arrangements.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It can be difficult and challenging to plan for the funeral of a loved one in the midst of personal grieving. Our parish staff is well aware of this, so please know that we are here to guide you through the planning process and to be of service to you in whatever ways that we can in order to make it less burdensome on you. We want to respect your private sadness while also recognizing that a funeral Mass or service is a public act of worship whereby the community of God’s people gathers together in prayer for the deceased as well as for those who grieve. The funeral rites, when carefully planned and carried out, have the capacity to affirm our belief in Jesus’ promise of eternal life and help us find hope and peace in our grief and pain.
You are invited to help the priest and members of the parish staff adapt and personalize the funeral rites in a way that meaningfully conveys the Church’s consolation while reflecting the faith, life, and personality of the deceased. In choosing the scriptural readings, designating family members or friends as readers, selecting hymns, and providing the priest with a better understanding of the life of the deceased, families help to provide this special meaning to the funeral rites.
Know that you are in our prayers now and in the days ahead.
Sincerely in Christ,
The Priests and Staff of the Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes
The Catholic Church prefers that the body itself be buried. This is more in keeping with honoring the dignity of the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and follows the example of Jesus’ burial. However, cremation is permitted. Cremated remains should be treated with the same dignity and respect as the body. It is preferred that the cremation take place after the funeral Mass. Cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The cremated remains should not be kept at home.
The Catholic Church does not permit the scattering of ashes. Cremated remains or the body of the deceased is to be buried in sacred ground or another designated area at the cemetery. Burial at sea is permitted. The body or ashes are lowered into the ocean. Scattering of ashes at sea is not permitted.
Absolutely! Both the parish and the funeral homes are happy to help you plan your funeral ahead of time. This relieves your survivors of a great burden and assures you have the funeral you wish.
Funeral Masses in church are not permitted on Sundays at any time, Saturday afternoons, on Holy Days of Obligation, on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, or Holy Saturday.
Yes. There are choices in our Funeral Guide. The priest, parish staff member, or funeral director can assist you with these selections.
We welcome the participation of practicing Catholics at appropriate points in the funeral rites.