Funerals
Christian Burial & Funeral Information
Praying with you in Hope
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)
The Catholic funeral rite is a ministry of hope and intercession. While we grieve the loss of a loved one, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. The primary purpose of the Funeral Mass is not merely to celebrate the past life of the deceased, but to pray for their soul, asking God to forgive their sins and welcome them into the heavenly Kingdom.
As the Catechism teaches, by offering the Eucharistic Sacrifice (the Mass) for the dead, the Church expresses her communion with the deceased, asking that they “may be purged of their sins and admitted to the paschal fullness of the table of the Kingdom” (CCC 1689). We gather to commend our brother or sister to God’s mercy, confident in the promise of the Resurrection.
On behalf of the clergy and staff of the parish, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family. In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life. The Funeral Mass is our way of wrapping your loved one in prayer, commending them to God’s mercy, and finding strength in the promise of the Resurrection.
For Funeral Directors
Scheduling & Intake Requirements
Please contact the Parish Office to coordinate the liturgy. When calling to schedule, please have the following information ready:
- Deceased Information:
- Full Legal Name
- Date of Birth & Age
- Date of Death
- Last Residing Address
- Is the deceased a registered parishioner here?
- Next of Kin / Contact:
- Name of Primary Contact
- Relationship to Deceased
- Phone Number
Planning the Liturgy (For the Family)
Meeting with the Clergy
While the Funeral Home handles the care of the body, the Family must coordinate the Mass itself with the Church.
- Action Required: Please call the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with the priest or deacon who will be presiding.
- Purpose of the Meeting: This meeting is essential to:
- Select the Scripture readings.
- Discuss the life of your loved one so the clergy can prepare a homily that connects their life to the Gospel.
- Parish office will provide the name and phone number of the music director.
Mass Guidelines
- Eulogies: The Funeral Mass is a public act of worship and prayer. Eulogies and personal tributes are not permitted during the Mass. We strongly encourage you to schedule speeches for the Wake (at the funeral home) or at the Cemetery.
- Livestreaming: Please note that the parish is not equipped for livestreaming services.
Decor & Flowers
- Urns & Photos: If the body has been cremated, the urn will be placed on a small credence table in front of the altar. You may bring one framed picture (approx. 8×11) to be placed next to the urn.
- Flowers: Simple floral arrangements are permitted in the sanctuary, but no lilies are allowed.
- Removal: All flowers must be removed from the church immediately following the Mass.
Guidelines for Attendees
Holy Communion
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion.
- For Catholics: We invite you to receive communion if you are properly disposed and in a state of grace.
- For Non-Catholics & Those Not Receiving: We welcome you to this celebration of Christian hope. We ask that you kindly remain seated or kneel during communion, or you may approach the altar with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing.
Appropriate Attire
Theological Understanding
Why No Eulogy at Mass?
The Funeral Mass is not a memorial service; it is a Liturgy. The focus is on the Paschal Mystery—the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus—and how your loved one participates in that mystery. While we honor the deceased, the Mass is our prayer for them, asking God to forgive their sins and welcome them to Heaven.
Cremation & Proper Burial
The Catholic Church permits cremation, provided it is not chosen as a denial of the resurrection of the body. However, because the human body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, cremated remains (ashes) must be treated with the same dignity as a physical body.
- Burial is Required: The Church teaches that cremated remains must be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum/columbarium.
- Prohibited Practices: It is not permitted to keep ashes at home, divide them among family members, or turn them into jewelry. Scattering ashes in the air, on land, or at sea is strictly prohibited.
“The bodies of the faithful departed must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection.” (CCC 2300)
Financial & Payment Information
Deposits & Reservations
- Arrangements via Funeral Home: If the Funeral Home is handling the coordination and payment on your behalf, no deposit is required from the family to reserve the date.
- Private/Family Arrangements: If the family is handling arrangements and paying the parish directly, a 50% deposit is required to reserve the date.
Final Payment Deadlines
- Mass with Wake: Full payment must be received before the Wake begins.
- Mass Only: Full payment must be received one week before the scheduled Mass.
Payment Methods
- We accept Cash or Check only.
- Please note: We are not equipped to process credit cards.
We Are Here to Walk With You We understand that absorbing these details while grieving can be overwhelming. Please know that you do not have to navigate this alone. Our parish staff and clergy are here to guide you through every step of this journey, ensuring a dignified and prayerful farewell for your loved one. If you have any remaining questions or need immediate assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Office.
