Funerals

"I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die."John 11:25-26

At a Catholic funeral the Church entrusts the one who has died to the mercy of God, consoles those who mourn, and proclaims her faith in the resurrection of the body. We pray for the dead because we believe that love does not end at the grave.

The Church's prayer for the dead

The Order of Christian Funerals has three parts:

• The vigil, often the evening before, when family and friends gather to pray, to hear the Word of God and to remember.
• The funeral Mass, the heart of the funeral, when the Church offers the sacrifice of Christ for the one who has died and commends him or her to God.
• The committal, at the graveside or columbarium, when the body or ashes are laid to rest in hope of the resurrection.

Arranging the funeral

Call the parish office at 303-322-8042. The office will set a date with you and the funeral home, and help you prepare the funeral Mass.

Cremation

The Church permits cremation, though she prefers that the body be present for the funeral Mass, with cremation afterward. Ashes are to be treated with the same reverence as the body: buried or placed in a columbarium, not scattered or kept at home.

Cemeteries and planning ahead

Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services of the Archdiocese of Denver helps families at the time of need, and with planning ahead.

Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services

A Mass for the one you have lost

To have a Mass offered for someone who has died, use the Mass intention envelopes in the pews or contact the parish office. The suggested offering is ten dollars.