Burial

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

One of the privileges of life in the church is to stand with people at points in their lives where there is sorrow and loss, and in each encounter to meet and honor the particularity of life and death. We do that within the context of scripture and The Book of Common Prayer, relying on the rich and reassuring language of the tradition to help us express what can be so difficult. At Calvary we try to meet the needs of those who have experienced the death of a friend or family member in a variety of ways. We are always ready to offer prayers for someone who has died. A small gathering of friends to read scripture, say prayers, and give thanks for a life is as much a possibility as a large, formal funeral. Funerals, whether large or small, often include the Eucharist, and there is frequently music. There are no fees for funerals. We also offer space for family and friends to receive people before and after a funeral. Often this takes the form of a period of visitation during the evening before the funeral. It gives people the opportunity to greet family members and friends, to share food and to offer a prayer before the coffin or urn in the church. Or there may be a reception after the service, particularly when the burial has been in the columbarium (a beautiful walled area in the baptistry, where people who have been cremated may be buried). 

Contact:   Fr. Ralph Morgan at rmorgan@ces-richmond.org or at (281)342-2147