FUNERALSCatholic liturgical celebrations commend the deceased to God, present our faith in resurrection, and provide hope and support to the grieving. If there is a death in the family, please call the office immediately and the secretary will find a Priest or a Deacon to start the funeral arrangements. If the office is closed, please use the emergency pager system by calling 208.227.9142.Remember to speak clearly and leave your name, address, and phone number. A Priest or Deacon will call you back as soon as possible. The death of a family member or friend has caused your life to undergo some rapid changes. You and your Family are being asked to make many decisions in a short period of time. The funeral rites have three main times of prayer for the family and Church community: The Vigil, the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal (burial at the cemetery). Either a Priest or a Deacon can preside over your loved one's services. THE VIGILThe Vigil for the Deceased (not required) normally occurs the evening before the Funeral Mass, and usually takes place in the church or at the funeral home. The Vigil is usually preceded by a visitation, where friends and relatives gather to offer condolences and share memories of the person who has died. This recounting of life events is important to the grieving process. The visitation includes time for communal prayer, to support the bereaved, and to pray on behalf of the person who has died. THE FUNERAL LITURGYThis is the main celebration when family, friends, and the Church community take solace in Scripture, give thanks for Christ's victory over sin and death and the Catholic members of the faith can receive Holy Communion. Although it is an important element in Catholic life, it is not necessary to celebrate the liturgy of Eucharist during the funeral. The symbolic elements during the Funeral Liturgy: Â
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