Funeral is not a sacrament since sacrament is only for the living, not the dead. Therefore, Christian funeral is a rite not a sacrament. The Christian funeral rite (1) celebrates the life of the deceased as we give thanks to God for the gift of life; (2) entrusts the soul of the departed to God in the hope of the resurrection and eternal life; (3) prays for comfort and strength for those who grieve at the passing of the deceased.

In the resurrection of Christ, God has destroyed the power of death. St Paul writes, in a rather mockingly manner, about the victory of life over death in Christ's resurrection:

“Where, O death, is your victory?

    Where, O death, is your sting?”

1 Corinthians 15:55

Being baptised into the death and resurrection of Christ at baptism, the Christian has already died and risen with Christ. In baptism, Christians have been claimed for Christ and nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God made visible in Christ (see. Romans 8:38-39).

For Christian, at death, life is changed and not ended;

death is, but only a pause.

With this fundamental belief, Christian celebrates the funeral still with tears but not without hope - hope eternal life in the bosom of God's unending love and the resurrection on the last day.

Funeral to be celebrated at St Peter's can be arranged through the Funeral Director. You can always contact the parish office for any assistance in organising the funeral.