Advanced Directive

Usual and Customary
Burial of the Dead
St. Mark's Episcopal Church                                                    Advanced Directive Online Form

                                                                                                                       Advanced Directive Paper Form

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 unchristian. 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. BCP p. 507

It is important the clergy be notified as soon as posible in order to assist in making arrangements. It is strongly encouraged that the service be held soon after your love one has died. Closure for family, friends and the community is essential. Due to the nature of our seasonal community and the distance of many loved ones we understand that at times we will need to hold an additional private committal service at a later date.

The usual and customary form of Service used at St. Mark's is The Burial of the Dead: Rite II (Book of Common Prayer, p. 491) in combination with The Service of Holy Eucharist: Rite II. Requested hymns are found in The Hymnal, 1982, and Alleluia III songbook.

Any special requests that are outside the Usual and Customary of St. Mark's Episcopal Church must be discussed and approved by the Rector. Flowers are only for the Altar area only; additional sprays are not appropriate for display in the Sanctuary.

The St. Mark's ECW (Episcopal Church Women) and the clergy work with the deceased's family to plan a reception following the memorial service and refreshments for the family before the service. Light refreshments (coffee, tea, lemonade and cookies) are served at no expense to the family. If a meal is preferred, the family is encouraged to engage a caterer.

The Advance Directives form is designed for you to help your loved ones and the Church to plan your Service of Burial. To plan your service in advance is a gift that removes some burden from your family at the time of your death. Your directives allow the Church and your family to know in advance your wishes for your Service. In addition to planning your Service in advance and sharing this information with your family, we recommend that you seriously consider writing your own obituary as well. Most obituaries are composed at the last minute by family members in consultation with a funeral director and many important dates and events in your life are omitted.