1 Corinthians 15:54-55
When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:
Death has been swallowed up in victory.
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?
Although not a sacrament, we can view death as a soul's 4th birthday (after conception, birth, and baptism). It is treated with great importance.
The Church through its funeral rites commends the dead to God’s merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins. At the funeral rites, especially at the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice, the Christian community affirms and expresses the union of the Church on earth with the Church in heaven in the one great communion of saints. Though separated from the living, the dead are still at one with the community of believers on earth and benefit from their prayers and intercession. At the rite of final commendation and farewell, the community acknowledges the reality of separation and commends the deceased to God. In this way it recognizes the spiritual bond that still exists between the living and the dead and proclaims its belief that all the faithful will be raised up and reunited in the new heavens and a new earth, where death will be no more. ~Order of Christian Funerals, 6
We are most willing to provide pastoral care for families experiencing the death of a loved one. Ordinarily arrangements for funeral services are made through a local funeral parlor of the family’s choice. Planning for the Liturgy of Resurrection, including the scripture readings and music, is made by contacting the Parish Office (212) 749-0276 ext. 112.