Burial

We will assist anyone, whether a believer or not,
who turns to us and requests the burial services of the Church.

Christian Burial in the Episcopal Church

At Christ Church, we believe that Christian burial is a sacred act, an expression of our hope in the resurrection and the eternal life promised to us in Jesus Christ.

There is never a fee for the pastoral ministry of the Church. Offering the burial rites is part of our sacred calling. While most choose to make a donation in thanksgiving for this ministry, it is always voluntary and deeply appreciated.

To support you in your preparation, we’ve provided a Burial Planning Sheet, which you may complete and return to the parish office. All elements of the liturgy are conducted at the discretion of the priest, following the theology and tradition of the Episcopal Church.

A Liturgy of Resurrection Joy

The Burial Office in the Episcopal Church is an Easter liturgy. It proclaims the sure and certain hope that, because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too shall rise.

“I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord.
Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though he die.”
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 491)

This liturgy is marked by joy, not because we ignore grief, but because we hold fast to the promise that:

“Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8:38–39)

At the same time, we acknowledge the pain of loss. As the Book of Common Prayer reminds us:

“The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death.”
(BCP, p. 507)

Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. In the Episcopal tradition, we hold both grief and hope tenderly together, trusting in the love of God that sustains us all.

Burial Planning at Christ Church

📄 [Download the Burial Planning Sheet]

📞 Need to Speak with Someone?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our clergy or the church office for pastoral support or guidance.
[Contact Us]

We are here to walk with you in love, prayer, and the sure hope of the resurrection.