Christian Burial
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Funeral Arrangements
If you have recently lost a loved one, we are deeply sorry for your loss and offer you our heartfelt condolences. The death of someone we love is a time of profound grief and sorrow. Yet, as Christians, it is also a time of hope—hope in God's love and mercy, the promise of eternal life, and the future resurrection of the dead.
Please know of our prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
If you would like to make arrangements for a funeral or burial for your loved one, please contact our parish office using the information below. Our staff will connect you with one of our priests, who will accompany you during this difficult time, help you plan the funeral liturgy, and pray with you and your family.
Parish Office
301-365-1415
Fr. Mark Knestout (Pastor)
240-223-2474
Fr. Kyle Vance (Parochial Vicar)
240-223-2490 -
Funeral Music Clips
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A Catholic Perspective on how to prepare for the death of a family member or yourself.
Our Lady of Mercy has several resources available to answer questions about how to plan your own funeral or that of a loved one. These resources explain the Churches policies on issues ranging from end of life issues, to selecting or not selecting a funeral home, as well as step by step planners to plan a Mass of Christian Burial and are available in the Parish Offices, from any of the Clergy, or the Office of Liturgy and Music.Words of Remembrance or Remarks (Eulogy) - "Some families wish to have a family member or friend offer words of remembrance in honor of the person who has died. This is best done at the funeral home during the wake service or afterward at a reception. However, words of remembrance may also be given at the church before the funeral service or before the entrance procession. It is helpful to have them written out. The words of remembrance may last no longer than five minutes total. " ---from the Planning Guide for the Mass of Christian Burial
Note: Eulogies will take place at the beginning of the Funeral, before the Processional Hymn. Eulogies should be kept within 5 minutes combined total at the Funeral.Funeral Ministry - If you are interested in assisting with funerals as a Sacristan, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Reader or Altar Server, please contact Jayne Rose for more information: [email protected] or 301-365-1415 x102
For more information regarding a loved one's funeral, please contact the office above, or for liturgy and music questions, contact Jayne Rose at [email protected]. -
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