St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Mattapoisett, MA
The Fall River Diocese cemeteries remain under the watchful eye of the Church which ensures that the properties will be operated according to the laws and precepts of the Roman Catholic Church.
This is very important because what Catholics believe about death differs from that of other faiths. For us, Burying the Dead is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy. Catholic cemeteries perform this corporal work for our deceased brothers and sisters in the faith believing that they await the resurrection of the body on the last day. Catholic cemeteries serve as the final resting places for those who have gone before us “marked with the sign of faith”, and as places of memorial and prayer for their families. They are sacred places too, specifically set aside by the Church for the burial of the faithful.
Just as you provide insurance or make a will, you owe it to yourself and your family to select your burial space before the time of need. Few people buy insurance with enthusiasm. They do it out of a sense of responsibility to those they love.
Providing cemetery property in advance shows a mixture of love and responsibility, along with the peace of mind that goes with the knowledge that a family obligation has been fulfilled. Call the parish office (508 758-3719) for updated prices and information.
Christian Burial
Our Catholic way of life teaches us that death is not an end of life but a change. In the burial of a Christian, we celebrate the faith of the deceased person and Christ’s victory over death and suffering. Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of all.
Rites of Christian Burial
There are three principal ritual movements in our Catholic tradition:
- The Vigil The visitation and vigil are a much-needed opportunity for the family to be greeted by parishioners, neighbors, and friends. It is also the appropriate time for remembering the deceased individual through the sharing of stories, pictures, and other memorabilia. The vigil will generally be held in the afternoon preceding an evening funeral liturgy or on the evening preceding a funeral liturgy that will take place during the next day. The vigil is celebrated at the funeral home or the Parish Church.
- The Funeral Liturgy Following the vigil, the Eucharistic Liturgy of Christian Burial is usually celebrated in the parish of the deceased. In the parish community, the family gathers with friends to Break Open the Word of God and share the Eucharist rejoicing in the promise of Jesus and our hope in the resurrection.
- The Rite of Committal The Rite of Committal, the conclusion of the funeral rites, is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the deceased member. In committing the body to its final resting place, the ritual is both a farewell and a final commendation of our loved one to the Lord.
When Someone Dies
Contact the funeral home of your choice and fill the planner. Usually, the funeral director will contact the parish office with all your planned and necessary information (organist, cantor, readings, music etc.) as soon as possible to coordinate other details.
This way the priest, deacon or pastoral minister presiding at the funeral liturgy or vigil will know the requests of the family related to the life of the deceased, readings, hymns and indicated on planner family participation, etc.).
During this time of loss, the community of St. Anthony-St. Rita Parish celebrates the life of your loved one and remembers the family, relatives, and friends in our prayers. As we walk with you during these difficult days, may God bring peace to your grieving hearts.
