Dear Friend in Christ,
“If one member suffers in the body of Christ which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
As you mourn the loss of your dear loved one please know that you are not alone. The parish family of Saint Pio Parish, the priests, staff, and faithful walk with you through this valley of darkness. As members of the Body of Christ we share the pain of your loss. At the same time, however, we seek to bring to your broken heart the light,
consolation, and peace of the risen Lord.
One of the chief ways that the Church aims to be present to you during this difficult time is through the funeral rites, particularly the Holy Mass. The funeral rites afford us the opportunity to celebrate with you the life of your dear loved one and to prayerfully thank Almighty God for the gift of that life which has now been returned to God, the author of life.
The funeral rites also assist the living as we mourn the dead. In fact, the General Introduction of the Order for Christian Funerals states: “While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them God’s mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis.”
To help you enter more fully into the funeral rites please find below, the Saint Pio Parish Funeral Planning Documents. As always, the priest and parish staff are here to be of assistance to you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 412-682-0929 or otherwise the priest celebrating the funeral liturgy of your loved one will see you during the visitation at the funeral home.
With my brother priests and on behalf of our entire parish family I extend to you our heartfelt sympathies and pledge of prayers.
Sincerely in Christ,
Reverend Thomas J. Gramc, Pastor