Funerals

All the sacraments, and principally those of Christian initiation, have as their goal the last Passover of the child of God which, through death, leads him into the life of the Kingdom. Then what he confessed in faith and hope will be fulfilled: 1 "I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come." 2 

Please contact the office at 512-863-3041 to schedule arrangements. The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious. 3 

The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent dispositions that the Church requires. 


1 Part 2, Section 2, Chapter 4, Article 2, Catechism of the Catholic Church. 

2 Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed 

3 Cf. CIC, can 1176 3.

For information regarding funeral Masses at St. Helens's, please contact Joyce Voegtle at  liturgist@sainthelens.org or 512-863-3041.