Bereavement

 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Funerals at Our Lady of Guadalupe take place on weekdays or Saturdays. Funeral services may not displace the scheduled liturgies at Our Lady of Guadalupe (e.g., weekday Masses, Sunday Masses, or weddings).

The readings and music for the Funeral Mass may be chosen by the family from the lists of approved readings and songs. In this funeral preparation guide, there are resources to help you plan a funeral celebration for your loved one.

We, at Our Lady of Guadalupe, understand that you have just experienced the death of a loved one. Depending upon the circumstances, you may be feeling confused, sad, stunned, or even overwhelmed by your loss. Each death is unique and brings forth a variety of emotions. Please let us know how we will be able to help you during this difficult time. The language of love speaks with particular depth at the time of death. We are here to offer prayers, sympathy, support and hope for the future.

Catholics believe that death has been conquered by the love of Christ, and is a passageway to a more abundant, happy and perfect life that God has prepared for those who love him. Though it is terribly hard to say goodbye to the goodness of life in this world, death is the necessary passage to the place where the ultimate desires of every human person can be completely fulfilled. Death marks a new beginning, made possible by the Resurrection of Jesus, to intimate and eternal union with God himself.

The faith of the Church cannot erase the pain of losing a loved one, but can give some solace and strength. Death is a time when our faith in God is purified, as is our relationship with Him. The most important things, and the things that endure, are brought to the surface in a powerful way. It is a time for us to support and console one another, and to manifest that love that is stronger than death. When death occurs Christians respond with greater prayer, both for those who have died and for those who are experiencing the death of a loved one.

The Church manifests the suffering, death and Resurrection of Jesus in the funeral liturgy. The readings and prayers do not minimize human suffering and death, but show how they have been conquered by love. There is celebration and joy alongside sympathy and grief. For a baptized Catholic, the Mass of Christian burial is the customary ritual of prayer.

Please contact the Parish Office at 785-232-5088 to obtain information to help you plan a funeral celebration for yourself or a loved one. If you are preparing for death or for a funeral of one who has recently passed, we are here to answer your questions and to assist you. We want your funeral liturgy to reflect your life of faith, hope and love.