Prayer for a Time of Loss
God of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer.
Grant them your peace, let light perpetual shine upon them,
and in your loving wisdom and almighty power,
work in them the good purpose of your perfect will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
The death of a loved one is a traumatic time for all. The clergy and people of this parish are here to offer support and comfort.
The priest who will be conducting the funeral should be consulted as early as possible and certainly before any final arrangements are made. No publication of time, nature or location of a funeral should be made prior to this consultation.
Anglicans prefer that funeral rites be held in a parish church. Space is also available in most churches for reception purposes. Funeral rites may also be conducted in a funeral mortuary or at a graveside. The final decision as to where the service is to be held will be made by the family in consultation with the priest.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Workers
The Parish Pastoral Care team is notified when a death occurs. The lay members of this team are selected for their pastoral gifts and have been trained and covenanted for the ministry of pastoral support and care. Clergy support this ministry and assist families in funeral plans. The clergy or Pastoral Care team may also plan some follow-up ministry.
Christian Funerals
Rites
Approved Anglican rites for Christian Burial are contained in both The Book of Common Prayer (1962) and The Book of Alternative Services (1985). Variations within these formats are to be negotiated between the family and the officiating priest.
It is proper for members of a fraternal organization, who so desire, to attend the funeral service of one of their former members in a group. If the family desires the rites of any such fraternal society, they should take place apart from the burial office of the church and prior to it, preferably at some such time as the evening before.
Prayers, readings and music for a Christian burial should be in keeping with the Christian faith in eternal life after death. The priest will offer suggestions and assist the family with selections. Many hymns and appropriate pieces or organ music are available for funerals.
You can view a video of St. John’s Cemetery under the ‘Recordings’ heading of our Home page.