Mount Saint Peter Parish, New Kensington, PA 15068

Bury the Dead

"The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead ... honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit."

Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2300)

For some long-suffering people, the prospect of death can be a welcome relief and more easily accepted by survivors than a tragic, untimely death. In either case, Christians believe that the act of "burying the dead" has far broader implications.

It encompasses compassion and support for survivors to help them better cope with their loss and to encourage them to go on living with the living. Anyone who has ever lost someone dear to them knows firsthand the depths of pain and anguish associated with such a loss, whether it be of a spouse, parent, child, sibling, other family member, dear friend or classmate (perhaps even a pet). Youngsters who suffer any loss face particularly difficult circumstances.

As God's hands on Earth, we can help ease the sufferings of the dying and give comfort to survivors. Here are some suggestions:

Visit the funeral home and attend the Funeral Mass of friends and parishioners; your presence can mean so much to survivors.

Provide companionship, be a good listener, have compassion, comfort them with kindness and pray with them.

Offer daily prayers for the grace of a happy death for the terminally ill, and for the peace and comfort of surviving family and friends.

Urge those who have particular difficulty in coping to seek pastoral or professional counseling.

Send a note with your thoughts and prayers to the family of someone who has buried a loved one.

Click on the following links to learn more.

Feed the Hungry + Give Drink to the Thirsty + Clothe the Naked

Shelter the Homeless + Visit the Sick + Visit the Imprisoned + Bury the Dead