It is not unusual for me to participate in three funerals in close proximity to each other.  This has happened in my priesthood not only here at Sacred Heart Churc, but in other places where I have been assigned to serve.  What was unusual in the instance of the funeral Masses of parishioner Tom Thornton, former parishioner Bob Rodgers, and Father Y.C. was that in all three instances their bodies were present in a casket for both the funeral and their Rosary (or Vigil) Service.  After the funerals of the first two, their bodies were taken for cremation, and the interment of their cremains was scheduled for a later time.  They (or their tamilies) wish to have their bodies present for their services which very much fits what the Catholic Church strongly encourages - even when cremation is going to happen.  Having the body present gives family and friends of the deceased the important opportunity to grieve the loss of the person, since the person's body is usually able to be viewed.  This is especially important here when some, or most, of the family have not seen their loved one before dying.  Having the body present also gives us the opportunity to recognize the body that was blessed with holy water at their baptism AND clothed in a white garment (by using a white funeral pall) signifying the purifying action of Baptism.  Sacramentals like a crucifix and Bible can be placed on the casket and kept there throughout the liturgies as a reminder to those present of the faith life of the person who has died.  In the case of Bob Rodgers, I saw family members saying their goodbyes to Bob as they viewed his body for the last time and comforting each other at that difficult, and yet healthy, time of closure.

I speak of these items, so you, who are planning what will happen after you die, will consider what I have just said and think about having your body present at the funeral rites of the Church - even if your choice ultimately is for cremation and interment in a Columbarium or cemetery grounds.  Please always keep in mind that the Catholic Church is strong in its belief and expectation that one's cremated remains be interred in a permanent place of rest and NOT be "divided up" or just kept indefinitely in someone's home.  Remember, too, if you want help in planning and making choices about the funeral rites for yourself, Deacon John and I are always willing to meet and work with you, so such decisions won't have to be made by your family members at the difficult time of your death.  Our contact information is printed on the front of the bulletin.