Funerals

The death of a loved one is always difficult.  We, at Gethsemane Cathedral, join with those who are have lost a loved one and, together, we look forward to the eternal life we will all one day enjoy in Christ our Savior.

All funeral services at Gethsemane Cathedral follow Burial Rite found in The Book of Common Prayer (Rite I begins on page 468; Rite II on page 490) .

“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.  The Liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that ‘neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

“This joy, however, does not make human grief un-Christian.  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 one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.”

The Book of Common Prayer, page 507

“The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation.

“Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church. The service should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be present.”

The Book of Common Prayer, page 490

The Funeral Committee of Gethsemane Cathedral's purpose is to organize and implement a dignified, friendly and well organized reception following the burial service.

Most funerals are followed by a reception in which bars, mints and nuts along with coffee and tea are served.  Occasionally, families ask for a light lunch.  There is a crew of 4-6 people working in the kitchen with another person serving coffee and tea.