The death of one of our sisters and brothers is a significant event for us as the Church.  It is a time when we, who loved the deceased person, mourn our loss.  It is a time when we as a Church celebrate God’s gift of life and mark, with special rites and gatherings, the return of that life to our loving God.  It is a time when the Church earnestly seeks to minister with compassion not only to the deceased but to the living which includes their family, friends, and parishioners as well.