Funeral Mass or Service

    While the traditional practice involves the celebration of a funeral Mass, circumstances may dictate a preference for a service of Scripture and prayer at the funeral home and / or the cemetery. This might be appropriate when the family or loved ones are not of the Catholic faith or when the deceased was not an active Catholic.

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Please note:  If the deceased regularly participated in the Eucharist celebration, they should not be deprived of a funeral Mass imply because few (if any) relatives and/or friends might attend. The number of mourners should not determine whether or not a funeral Mass is celebrated.​

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Cremation

    While the Catholic Church continues to encourage the ancient custom of burying the body of a deceased person, cremation is permitted.

   The Church expects the ashes of the cremated person to be buried or entombed in a timely fashion out of respect for the deceased. It is against Church law for cremated remains to be placed on a mantle at home or spread elsewhere. 

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Sensitive Circumstances

     In a case of a person who dies as a result of suicide, pastoral care is our focus. While the Catholic Church does not condone such actions, it does not pass judgment on such a person either. It is possible that the person committing suicide was not in full possession of their rational faculties at the time of the act. Moreover, we cannot determine the emotional or faith disposition of the person at the moment of death. Therefore, the normal pastoral response is to provide all the appropriate rites of Christian burial for such individuals. ​​

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Planning and Sharing in the Funeral Liturgy

    There are several opportunities for family or friends to participate in the funeral Mass. Please note: this participation is entirely optional.

     1.  At the beginning - placing the pall, a large white cloth symbolizing the garment received at baptism, on the casket.

    2. Liturgy of the Word - Family or friends are encouraged to choose readings from scripture, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. Family or friends may wish to proclaim these readings. If not, a trained reader from our parish will be assigned. If a person chooses to read, they should be given the reading in order to prepare prior to the funeral Mass. Click here for the selection of readings.

     3.  Presenting the Gifts to the Altar - Two to four family members or friends may bring the Gifts to the Altar following the Prayer of the Faithful.

   4.  Music - The hymns should reflect the idea of resurrection and hope.  Secular or "popular" music is not permitted. Click here for a list of hymns.​

     5. Words of Remembrance/Reflection - In The Order of Christian Funerals, it provides the possibility of one family member or friend speak for no more than 3 minutes, in remembrance of the deceased. If this option is chosen, the words spoken must be given to, in writing, to the presiding priest 24 hours prior to the funeral Mass to ensure these words are in harmony with the celebration. Those who wish to give a eulogy or to share a story about the deceased more fittingly do so at the Funeral Home or following the committal at the cemetery.