Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies sake. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 504)
The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the Resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 507)
Your funeral is an opportunity for you to provide comfort to your friends and loved ones as well as to affirm the Church’s belief in the power of the resurrection. There are many opportunities within the burial office of the Episcopal Church for you to personalize the liturgy and include scripture and hymns that are meaningful to you.
Planning your funeral well in advance of your death is a wonderful gift you can give your family. If you decide to plan your funeral ahead of time, we store your plans and paperwork and notify your family members of your wishes in the circumstance of your death. Please fill out the form below and send them to the Cathedral office.
Memorial Interment Garden
The Memorial Garden is located in the garden area of the courtyard, on the west side, adjacent to the Common Room. Ashes are interred in the opened ground without container and are covered immediately afterwards with soil. The full names and dates of birth and death of the interred are engraved on the capstones of the wall around the garden.
Those who can be interred include Cathedral members and their immediate family, including children and spouses; previous pledging members who have moved out of the Kansas City area; and special requests, which may be considered by the Dean and approved by the Dean and Wardens. Contact Cathedral Administrator Julie Toma to reserve a space or for more information.