Introduction

In the Episcopal Church three liturgical rites are celebrated for the Burial of the Dead. They are the Mass of the Resurrection, the Commendation of the Departed and the Committal of the Body. The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that the one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn. The liturgy is also an expression of our belief that nothing can separate us from each other in Christ. We still love, care and pray for those who have died, and we believe they still love, care and pray for us.

We hope this these words might help you in the stewardship of your life and death and, in that stewardship, honor your relationship with God. The clergy and staff at All Souls available to speak with you about any questions you may around funerals, burials, death and dying.

About death and burial

Christians often speak of joy at the time of death because we believe that death is an entry into life everlasting, a life lived fully with God. Grief has its place and the tears we shed are an important part of our prayer at the time of death. Christians give thanks for the lives of those we mourn and we honor them even in our grief.

A part of living faithfully means that we try to be good stewards or caretakers of all that God has given us. But stewardship does not end with death. As Christians, we take seriously what happens to our bodies and we take special care with those who we no longer see. Good stewardship of God’s gift of life includes having a legal will. Good stewardship includes our declaring what limitations we might wish to place on acute medical care. Good stewardship includes helping others know how we would like for our body to be honored.

In the Episcopal Church cremation is an acceptable alternative to the interment of the body. The cremated remains of a body are now called “cremains.” Cremains may be placed in the burial vault at All Souls, located jnext to the Mary Chapel in the Church.  Also, mindful of the environment and our impact upon it, some may wish to have cremains distributed in our garden.

The liturgy for the Burial of the Dead is also a place to acknowledge outwardly a sense of thanksgiving for the life we are given. The liturgy is also an expression of our belief that nothing can separate us from each other in Christ. We still love, care and pray for those who have died, and we believe they still love, care and pray for us. It is extremely helpful if you let the parish know if you would like particular arrangements regarding the liturgy. These plans are then kept on file in the parish office. Plans for musicians and participants in the service can be made in advance.

Other items to be considered are where and when your family and friends might gather. Plans can be made in advance for the kind of reception or gathering you might find appropriate.

At the time of death

An important way to prepare is to have a “call list” both for yourself and for those who will have to deal with your death when it occurs. This is especially important if you live alone. Members of your family should be aware of this list and know where you keep it. We suggest that the list include the names and telephone numbers of the following people:

1.  Family members or friends

2.  The clergy

3.  An undertaker or funeral home

4.  Three close friends (or include the clergy of the church)

5.  Your attorney


Memorials

As an alternative to flowers, you may ask mourners to designate a gift to the memorial fund of All Souls. The capital of this fund is held as an ongoing memorial: the interest used to further the mission of the church. In addition, you may also be interested in establishing a specific memorial fund endowed by you and your family.

The specific language for including All Souls in your will is to be made in this form:

“I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the District of Columbia, and having its principal office at 2300 Cathedral Avenue, NW, [Here state the nature or amount of the gift.]”

Fellowship

One gift that the dead give the living is the opportunity to gather in fellowship, to share stories and memories and to draw strength from one another. All Souls invites you to use the Undercroft as a place to gather after the liturgy. The parish office will be happy to help you locate an appropriate caterer or to help coordinate volunteers for a simple affair.

After the funeral

Grieving is a long-term process. As each holiday is marked and memories are sorted out, there may be times when the clergy may be of help. We hope you will not hesitate to call.

We pray for the dead at every Mass at All Souls.