Bereavement / Funeral Information
Funeral Mass Resources
1. Funeral Mass Planner
2. Old and New Testament Readings
3. Directions for those Reading and those Bringing up the Gifts:
Directions for Readers
Once the presiding priest comes to the altar, he will proceed with opening prayers. When it is time for the First Reading (Old Testament), the priest will invite the reader to come forward. The reader leaves his/her pew, comes to the front steps before the altar, offers a brief bow, and walks to the lectern which will be to the left when you are facing the altar. Often times an altar server will assist the reader in navigating the stairs to the lectern. The reader will find a copy of the readings on the lectern. There may be a need to adjust the microphone. He/she will then read the Scripture passages, ending with the words: The Word of the Lord. (The assembly should respond: Thanks be to God). The Reader will then return to his/her seat.* The organist/choir will then sing the Psalm. On it’s conclusion, the second reader will be called by the priest. He/she will follow the same directions as the first reader. *Should there be only one reader for both Scripture passages, that person should sit in one of the chairs next to the altar servers after completing the first reading. Once the Psalm has been sung, he/she returns to the lectern and reads the Second Reading (New Testament). When finished, he/she returns to the pew. Directions for Those Bringing Up the Gifts
Once the homily has been given, the presiding priest will prepare for the Consecration of the Bread and Wine. At this time, the gift bearers leave their pew, go to the back entrance of the Church (where the glass doors are), pick up the cruet of wine and cup of hosts (which will be on a small table to their right), walk together toward the priest, make a small bow, and each in turn offer the gifts to the priest. Once taken, a small bow is given and the gift bearers return to their pew.
4. General Information:
Scheduling
Customarily, the date and time of the funeral Mass and wake service is scheduled through the Funeral Home. Funerals cannot be held on Sundays, Holy Days or during the Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday - Easter). The Church will contact our Music Director.
Cremation
In recent years, the Catholic Church has lifted the prohibition against the practice of cremation and has revised the rites for services with cremated remains. The cremated remains can be brought into the church for the Funeral Mass. Typically, a priest will accompany the cremated remains to the cemetery for committal after the funeral. The Church prohibits the practice of dividing or scattering remains. It is possible to have a picture of the deceased placed in the entrance of the church or near the cremains.
Visiting Priests
Visiting priests are welcome to concelebrate and take part in the Mass at the discretion of the Pastor.
The Wake Service
The Catholic Church has a long tradition of keeping vigil for those who have died. It is a time of public prayer that gathers and binds family and friends alike. Normally, the wake will take place at the funeral home the night before the funeral Mass. The priest or deacon will lead the service of Scripture and prayer.
Preparing for the Mass
The bereavement minister or priest will call the family contact once that information is received from the funeral director. At that time, specific decisions for the Mass can be made, such as music and Scriptural readings.
An Important Note About Eulogies:
"Sometimes, there is temptation to blur the difference between the wake and the Mass, to eliminate one or the other, or to speak of the Mass as only a memorial.
The wake is the primary place for remembering and celebrating the person's life in this world...eulogies...are more appropriate for a wake. If others need to speak in church, for example, at the funeral of a public figure, then, if circumstances permit, this might more appropriately be done before the funeral mass begins. The committal service at the cemetery also provides an opportunity for other ceremonials; for example, the military honors shown to deceased veterans." (Archbishop Leonard Blair, The Archbishop's Desk: Enteral rest grant unto them, O Lord, The Catholic Transcript, October 2014)
Receiving Holy Communion at the Funeral Mass
Because Holy Communion is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus, reception of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church is a sign of our unity in belief. Therefore, those who are Catholic and practice their faith, i.e. those who attend Mass weekly and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, are invited to form one line down the center aisle. For all others unable to receive Holy Communion at this time, we would ask that you remain in your seats and continue to pray for that unity that Jesus so much desires. For those Catholics who are away from their faith, the priest during the wake would be available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so that you may worthily receive Communion at the Funeral Mass.
5. Funeral Music Suggestions:
This listing is to assist you in selecting liturgically appropriate music for your loved one's funeral service. In preparation for the conversation between you and the bereavement minister or priest, please consider the music options below. If you do not have a preference, the organist can make the selection for you.
Entrance:
Amazing Grace
Be Not Afraid
Beautiful Savior
How Great Thou Art
I Am the Bread of Life
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
Lift High The Cross
O God Our Help In Ages Past
On Eagles Wings
Precious Lord Take my Hand
The Strife is O'er
Responsorial Psalm
All I Ask of You
Be With Me Lord
Come To Me
Eye Has Not Seen
Shepherd Me O God
The Lord is My Light
The Lord is My Shepherd
Preparation of the Gifts
Amazing Grace
Ave Maria (Schubert)
Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)
Be Not Afraid
Gentle Woman
Hosea
How Great Thou Art
I Am the Bread of Life
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Irish Blessing
On Eagle's Wings
Prayer of St. Francis
Precious Lord Take My Hand
The King of Love my Shepherd Is
You Are Near
Communion
Amazing Grace
Ave Maria (Schubert)
Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)
Be Not Afraid
Here I Am Lord
How Great Thou Art
I Am the Bread of Life
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
Irish Blessing
On Eagles Wings
Pie Jesu (Faure)
Pie Jesu (Weber)
Prayer of St. Francis
Precious Lord Take My Hand
The King of Love My Shepherd Is
You Are Near
Recessional
Amazing Grace
Be Not Afraid
For All the Saints
Go in Peace
God of Our Fathers
How Great Thou Art
I Am the Bread of Life
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
Irish Blessing
Lift High the Cross
O God Our Help in Ages Past
O Loving God
Precious Lord Take my Hand
Prayer of St. Francis
Sing With All the Saints in Glory
The Strife is O'er
You Are Near
