At the death of a loved one, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the St. Christopher Parish family and the whole Catholic Church ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God.  We intercede on behalf of the deceased because of our confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life.

The St. Christopher Parish family confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, has broken the chains of death that bind humanity, redeeming mankind and giving perfect glory to God by the paschal mystery of His blessed passion, death, resurrection from the dead, and glorious ascension.

The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection and God's mercy to all who believe in Him.

To arrange for the Christian funeral of a loved one at St. Christopher Church, contact the rectory at 504-837-8214 and SPEAK with the pastor, other priest, or a deacon BEFORE making any final arrangements with a funeral home or funeral director.

The Bereavement and Support Group will also contact the family to offer compassion and comfort in this time of sorrow and anxiety.  Once the church is notified of the loss of your loved one, a church member will offer assistance in planning the service and in choosing the readings and music based on the family's preferences.  During the visitation for all funerals, the Bereavement Group provides doughnuts and will also provide coffee at St. Christopher Church.  Besides being present during the Rite of Christian Burial, the Bereavement Group offers caring support through monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 6:15 in the Parish Center, where there is also the support of others experiencing grief, as well as a guest speaker to address some aspect of grief.

A Memorial Mass is held the second Thursday in July at 6 p.m. to celebrate the life of each loved one remembered, as well as the lives of all parishioners who have died within the year.  Those attending are invited to bring mementos of their loved ones, which are then blessed.  For more information, please contact Tom & Terry Canale,
[email protected].