“In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity. Christ “achieved his task of redeeming humanity and giving perfect glory to God, principally in the paschal mystery of his blessed passion, resurrection from the dead, and glorious ascension.” […]
 
“The Church through its funeral rites commends the dead to God’s merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of sins. At the funeral rites, especially at the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice, the Christian community affirms and expresses the union of the Church on earth with the Church in heaven in one great communion of saints. Though separated from the living, the dead are still at one with the community of believers on earth and benefit from their prayers and intercession”

Order of Christian Funerals, Introduction

Please contact the Rectory Office (301-490-5116) to begin funeral arrangements at Saint Nicholas Parish. If you prefer, the Funeral Director may contact the Parish on your behalf to confirm the funeral liturgy date and time. Plan also to meet with Father and allow at least an hour to review the liturgy. During this time, Father will pray with and for you and your loved one. He can answer your questions about and plan with you the funeral liturgy (Vigil/visitation, Mass, and Burial). 

In your hands, O Lord,
we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters.
In this life you embraced them with your tender love;
deliver them now from every evil
and bid them eternal rest.

The old order has passed away:
welcome them into paradise,
where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain,
but fullness of peace and joy
with your Son and the Holy Spirit
forever and ever. Amen.

Lord God,
you are attentive to the voice of our pleading.
Let us find in your Son
comfort in our sadness,
certainty in our doubt,
and courage to live through this hour.
Make our faith strong
through Christ our Lord. Amen.