I agonize a lot over the thought of a family member that has falling away from their Catholic faith and what to do about them when they die. I really don't know what is the best answer. There are many relatives of mine that do not attend mass anymore, nor do they practice their faith in anyway, yet still think they should be buried in the Catholic tradition of a funeral mass and buried in a Catholic cemetery. To challenge them on the idea of why should they could be counterproductive and possibly deter them from any hope of possibly come back to the Church before death. I really cannot understand their reasoning. It certainly can be very awkward for the family when then time comes and a priest may ask why.. I never once saw him in church. I have asked my own parish priest about this topic once, and he said he would never deny anyone who wanted a funeral mass in his church. I really don't know what the Catholic Church's position is on this, or if there is any grace or hope from having a funeral mass for someone who does not practice their faith. Any thoughts...
Our pastor said that a Mass could be said for anyone Called a Memorial Mass Not a Mass of Christian Burial Check with your pastor
soldier of Christ, I feel for your concern, but I must admit the lukewarmness of the general Catholic population has brought about multiple problems in a number of areas in the northeastern USA: 1) Due to higher funeral costs, many are now choosing to cremate their loved ones and have a service in the funeral home without Holy Mass being celebrated. And even worse, instead of interning the ashes in a grave or mausoleum as required by canon law, they might take them home and put them on the mantle! 2) Young couples are approaching the Church to be married although they've been co-inhabiting for months or years and if a priest refuses to marry them unless they separate for a period of time, the couple goes elsewhere. 3) Couples want to have their children baptized to please their parents and/or grandparents and not because they plan on bringing their children up Catholic. 4) When I've distributed Holy Communion in various situations, I am never sure if those who are receiving in the hand, will do so in a reverent fashion; instead of receiving the Sacred Host on the palm of their hand, some reach out to grab the Sacred Host. So, soldier, your genuine concern is multiplied hundreds of times over in like scenarios. Priests and deacons are confronted with these "what to do" situations weekly and/or monthly. JoeJerk believes he has won; it will take Our Lady's Triumph to fully rectify our sad situation. In regard to your personal situation, I've seen some good priests carry through with the funeral and preach clearly a message of repentance with a clear reference to Purgatory and Hell. Here at MOG we've expended a lot of energy discussing the crisis of homosexuality within the Church; to be honest, the dilemma is multi-dimensional. This is why the fraternities of priests who celebrate the TLM play a key role in turning the tide. But the solution must come from a multiplicity of courageous stands to reach the highest number of the lost. Let us be constant in placing our concerns in the hands of the Two Hearts!
Hi Mario, I believe you have hit the nail on the head.... "Here at MOG we've expended a lot of energy discussing the crisis of homosexuality within the Church; to be honest, the dilemma is multi-dimensional." [the dilemma is multi-dimensional]....... is an understatement! in my humble opinion! I believe there were many seemingly lesser sins, ignored and even condoned by the hierarchy in the church in the sixties, that have continued to this day, and allowed for more serious sins to take hold of the Catholic faith!, which ultimately lead to the homosexual crisis within the church! I will elaborate latter when and if I get the chance! God Bless You. I realise you stand for all the little guys, those without much of a voice, so thank you!
Many many things in the Church and in Society were ignored or even condoned in the 60's. And actually things started to slide before that...….
Josephite, I think of you when I am at Mass amidst the rubble. Look at this inspiring photo of soldiers who are kneeling on rickety chairs rather than stand for Mass.
To whatever extent you are able, try to get them their final sacraments including Anointing of the Sick and Last Rights! There truly are graces that come of these Sacraments. Confession, while bonus, is not necessary to receive those. Leave the rest to God. If there are health issues, consult the priest who might preside. I'm of the mind, once they've died, if a priest is willing to give them a Christian burial, GREAT! Only at that point will some truly understand.
Join the club. If they were baptized I believe the are entitled and should expect a Catholic funeral.
Once a Catholic always a Cahtolic. They may be APostate Catholics but they are still Catholics. They need all the help they can get. Poor, poor people. It is terrible thing to face the Last Judgement even if you are a practising Catholic. To be fallen away and to meet the Just Judge... I can't imagine..utter terror. But Padre Pio said there is always hope, there is always, always hope.
