Funerals
It is best to designate one person to coordinate the funeral arrangements and make the final decisions. That person should call the Funeral Home which will coordinate with us for funeral arrangements.
Cremains: Please have the cremains in hand before reserving the Funeral Mass.
Our priests are always available for pastoral care.
The Funeral Rites are closely tied with the Rites of Baptism, when the promise of eternal life in Christ is first given. The ritual symbols of water, the Paschal candle, the pall, the Word of God and the procession to the altar recall the journey that begins in Baptism. The Funeral Rites reflect the belief that death is the end of one’s earthly journey and the beginning of a new and eternal life.
Catholic funerals generally have three parts:
I. The Vigil happens the night or several nights before the funeral. It is more focused on the deceased, as it involves familiar prayers and sharing of memories.
II. The Funeral Mass is a service on the day of the burial.
III. The Committal Service follows right after the Funeral Mass. It occurs at the graveside or crematorium, immediately before the body is buried or cremated. The deceased is offered the final commendation to God, looking forward to the resurrection.
If someone you know is close to death, please contact a priest for the Anointing of the Sick or the Last Rites.