Funeral Planning
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“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.
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Funeral Planning
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frrobsjavb.orgPastor -
Carole Romaniniparishsjavb.orgOffice Manager, Bulletin, Sacramental Records, Baptisms, Wedding Coordinator
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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.
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Other Considerations
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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, the graveside, or for a reception following. Eulogies at Mass are not permitted. The reasoning behind this Church-wide policy is that in the Christian funeral, we gather not to praise the deceased, but to pray for them. The Mass -- the Eucharist--is the supreme gift we can give our loved one when they die. The homily can make some reference to the person's life of faith, but a eulogy cannot be part of a Catholic Mass.
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.
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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light Shine upon them, May they rest in peace. Amen.
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