The Burial Rite (sometimes called The Burial of the Dead) is the Church’s final pastoral gift to a Christian and to those who mourn. While it is not a sacrament, it is included here because it is one of the most important and tender rituals the Church offers at the end of life: we gather to commend the person who has died to God’s loving care, to give thanks for their life, and to proclaim the hope of the resurrection in Jesus Christ. Grounded in Scripture and prayer, the Burial Rite holds grief honestly—without rushing it—while also placing our sorrow inside the wider promise that death does not have the last word. In worship, we entrust our beloved to God, support one another with prayer, and reaffirm that every baptized person belongs to Christ—both in life and in death.

St. Paul famously writes, “For me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

As Christians, we need not be afraid of death. Jesus tells his disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you . . . that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3)

To be a faithful Christian is to live in Christ now, as we prepare for the life to come. An important task in being prepared is the making of burial arrangements before death occurs. It is a measure of our own spiritual health and awareness of our Christian hope. It is also one of the most loving gifts we can provide for our surviving family members because of the many decisions that surround death and burial.

In order to assist individuals in making prayerful and informed decisions concerning their death, Trinity is able to assist individuals in planning their funeral service. If you would like to further discuss this important subject with a member of the clergy, please use the form below.