"I am the resurrection and the life;
he who believes in me, though he die,
yet shall he live, and whoever lives
and believes in me shall never die."
(John 11:25-26)

On behalf of the Parish Community of St. Charles Borromeo, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy at the loss of your loved one.

Please know that we are here to help you and support you during this difficult time. One of our staff will assist you in the planning of the Mass of Christian Burial, and suggest ways for family and friends to be personally involved.

Music Suggestions and Scripture Readings appropriate for the Catholic Funeral Rite are shown below. They are beautiful passages of comfort, peace, and hope. May God’s strength and peace be with you.

For reservation of the church for the Funeral Mass please call the parish office, 713-692-6303
For music during the Funeral Mass, please contact Bertha Salazar, (832) 229-2421

Funeral Arrangements - Getting Started

We realize this is a difficult time, so we put this information together in order to assist you in understanding and planning for the Funeral.
It will explain some of the rituals and symbols which are used in honoring the life of your loved one, and it also contains a selection of readings and prayers.

First Step – Set the Date and time
Your first step in planning a Funeral is to call a local Funeral Home.  During your meeting with the Funereal Home, they will contact our Parish Office to arrange the day and time of the Funeral “Mass of Christian Burial” for you.

Second Step – Readings and Prayers
Once the Funeral Mass is scheduled, a member of our staff may assit you in selecting the readings and prayers. Readings from the New Testament during Easter Time: Only these readings may be selected as the First Reading during Easter Time: 

1. Acts 10:34-43 (short form, 10:34-36, 42-43)
2. Revelation 14:13
3. Revelation 20:11—21:1
4. Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7

CREMATION
If the deceased is to be cremated,  the Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated with the cremated remains present.  Church law requires the cremated remains be laid to rest in consecrated ground, either buried or kept in a mausoleum.

CELEBRATING THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Liturgical signs and symbols affirm our Christian belief during the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial:

• The Easter candle reminds us of Christ’s presence among the Christian community, His victory over sin and death, and our share in the victory by virtue of our baptism.
• The casket is sprinkled with holy water reminding us of the saving waters of baptism.
• The funeral pall reminds us of the white garment worn at baptism when we were born into eternal life.
• Incense is used during funerals as a sign of honoring the body of the deceased and is a symbol of our prayers rising to heaven before God.

Funeral Offerings 
There is no fee for the usage of the church or for the clergy.  A free will offering to the parish for funeral services is welcome but not mandatory. A funeral service, including Mass in the church with the body present and a committal service, is given free of charge. 

1. Hechos 10: 34-43 (forma corta, 10: 34-36, 42-43)
2.  Apocalipsis 14:13
3. Apocalipsis 20: 11—21: 1
4. Apocalipsis 21: 1-5a, 6b-7

• La vela del cirio Pascua nos recuerda la presencia de Cristo en la comunidad cristiana, su victoria sobre el pecado y la muerte, y nuestra participación en la victoria en virtud de nuestro bautismo.
• El ataúd es rociado con agua bendita que nos recuerda las aguas salvadoras del bautismo.
• El palio funeral que se coloca sobre el feretro nos recuerda la vestimenta blanca que usamos en el bautismo cuando nacimos en la vida eterna.
• El incienso se usa durante los funerales como un signo de honrar el cuerpo del difunto y es un símbolo de nuestras oraciones que se elevan al cielo ante Dios.