Staci Hanson
Contact: shanson@corpuschristicos.org or funeral@corpuschristicos.org

Martha’s Measure Ministry

We are looking for generous souls to help with funeral receptions for our parish community. Opportunities include small shifts assisting with setup, serving, cleanup, and/or baking.

This is a volunteer ministry—serve when you can. There is always laughter, camaraderie, joy, hard work, and the knowledge that you have served Christ.

If you feel called to help, please contact Staci at:
shanson@corpuschristicos.org

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.”
— Matthew 25:35

Funeral Planning and Support

If you have recently lost a loved one, we extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family and friends during this time of loss and grief.

Our parish is honored to celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with you. Please contact the Parish Office at 719-633-1457, or email shanson@corpuschristicos.org, or have your funeral director contact the parish before confirming a date.

We understand that funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming. We will walk with you through planning your loved one’s Funeral Mass and burial.

“At the death of a Christian… the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased… and consoles the sorrowing with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.”
— Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4

The Catholic Funeral Rite

The Catholic funeral rite is divided into several parts, each with its own purpose. We encourage families to follow the complete structure and make use of each part.

Vigil Service (Rosary)

“At the vigil, the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer…” (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 56)

The Vigil Service usually takes place during visitation at the funeral home. It is a time to remember the life of the deceased and to commend them to God. In prayer, we ask God to console us in our grief and strengthen us to support one another.

The Vigil Service may include:

• A Liturgy of the Word with Scripture readings, reflection, and prayers
• Prayers from the Office for the Dead (Liturgy of the Hours)
• Recitation of the Rosary

Eulogies are most appropriately shared at this time. You may also request a visitation with the Rosary prior to the Funeral Mass.

Funeral Liturgy (Mass)

The Funeral Mass is the central liturgical celebration for the deceased.

At the Funeral Liturgy, the Church gathers with family and friends to:

• Give praise and thanks for Christ’s victory over sin and death
• Commend the deceased to God’s mercy and compassion
• Find strength in the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery

The funeral liturgy is an act of worship, not merely an expression of grief.

Rite of Committal (Burial or Interment)

The Rite of Committal is the final act of the community of faith and takes place at the graveside or place of interment.

In this rite, the community:

• Commits the body to its resting place
• Expresses hope in the resurrection
• Offers final prayers of farewell

This moment reflects the communion between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven, as we entrust our loved one into God’s presence.