Planning Funeral Rites
“At the death
of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of baptism and
strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the
deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end nor does it
break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and
consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting word of God and the
sacrament of the Eucharist.” Order
of Christian Funerals, #4.
When a family
member passes away, the first step is to contact the funeral home of your
choice. The next step is to contact our
pastor, Fr. Rob Cole, to schedule a time to come to the office to arrange a
date and time for the funeral Mass.
Immediate
family will meet with Fr. Rob, who will guide them through the selection of
Church-approved readings and sacred music. Family will be given the choice of
choosing their own readers or having members of our Funeral Team proclaim the
Old and New Testament readings. Offertory gift bearers may also be selected.
The funeral
Mass is held at the church with either the loved one’s body or cremated remains
present. At the entrance to the church, the casket is sprinkled with holy water
and covered with a pall, a reminder of baptism. When the procession reaches the
front of the church, a symbol of Christian faith, such as a Bible or Crucifix,
may be placed on the casket.
An urn of
cremated remains will be placed on a table at the front of the church before
the Mass begins.
After the
Commendation and Farewell when the remains are honored with incense and the
pall is removed, the service may continue at a cemetery for interment of a
casket or committal of cremated remains.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Funerals are a special ministry of the Church and one where
we meet families at defining moments of faith. No one will be denied the
services of the Church for financial reasons; if the fees are burdensome,
please speak with the priest. The
funeral fee at St. John the Apostle is $300.00, which covers musicians, altar
server, and use of the church. The fee
may be paid through the funeral home or by a family member. It should be paid
on or before the day of the funeral.
TRIBUTES AND EULOGIES:
Individual tributes should be reserved for the wake service
prior to the funeral Mass or for a reception following. Eulogies at Mass are not permitted.
DISPLAYS AND PHOTOGRAPHS:
We welcome displays of photographs and memorabilia in the
church commons.
FLOWERS:
Flower arrangements may be displayed in the commons only and
should be removed after the funeral.
BEREAVEMENT HOSPITALITY MINISTRY:
We have a ministry dedicated to providing parish hospitality
for bereaved family and friends by hosting a reception following Mass or
interment. There is no charge for the services of this ministry, although
donations are always welcome. Food and beverages are served, so the family need
not worry about the needs of their guests.
Please discuss this option with Fr. Rob during the funeral planning
meeting.
Eternal
rest grant unto them,
O
Lord, and may perpetual light
Shine
upon them,
May
they rest in peace. Amen.
Please contact parish@sjavb.org for more information or call 757-426-2180
