We want to begin by expressing our deepest sympathies, and in order to accompany you during this time, we provide you with this booklet as a way to guide you through the Catholic Funeral Rite. This booklet is meant to guide families in planning Christian burial rites and expresses the Church's deepest sympathy to those grieving. It outlines the Catholic Church’s approach to funerals, supporting the bereaved and honoring the deceased through liturgical rites.
Key Points:
Purpose of Rites: The Church’s funeral rites aim to pray for the deceased and console the family. These rites can be celebrated for baptized Catholics, unbaptized children of Christian families, and baptized non-Catholics.
Funeral Options: Families can choose from several options, including a funeral Mass with the body or ashes present, a blessing service (pg. 62) or a memorial service following cremation. Cremation is permitted, but the ashes should be buried or entombed, not scattered or kept at home (pg. 62).
Special Circumstances: The Church provides burial rites for individuals who died by suicide, recognizing their need for pastoral care and the family’s need for support.
Liturgical Restrictions: Only sacred music and Biblical readings are allowed during the funeral Mass. Secular music and pre-recorded tracks are not permitted.
Clergy Participation: Parish clergy are available to visit funeral homes, conduct services, and accompany the body to the cemetery when possible. Other priests can also be invited to celebrate or concelebrate the funeral Mass. We do our best to honor families' wishes when clergy are requested, but we cannot guarantee that a certain clergy member will be available.
Final Notes: The Church encourages all active Catholics to have a funeral Mass, regardless of how many mourners attend, and assures support for families in arranging the service. While blessing services are allowed, they are not our immediate recommendation.
The parish remains committed to helping you navigate this process and offering prayers during your time of grief. Please never hesitate to reach out for our help and assistance.
May Our Lord bless you, Reverend Michael Stumpf, Pastor Reverend Martin Barkin, Senior Parochial Vicar Reverend Nicholas Clinton, Parochial Vicar Reverend Mr. Joseph Dougherty, Permanent Deacon Reverend Mr. Keith Kondrich, Permanent Deacon Reverend Mr. Jeffrey McLaughlin, Permanent Deacon Reverend Mr. Herb Riley, Jr, Permanent Deacon
Instructions
This is understandably a difficult time for you, and we want to make this as easy as possible for you and a moment to encounter the Lord. Our Funeral Guide should have all the details you need, including instructions on the Funeral Mass, Readings, Prayers of the Faithful, Music, and important reminders about the Mass. To do that, you are invited to fill out the Liturgy Planning Sheet and provide a biographical sketch of your loved one through the Funeral Home or here on the website. We kindly ask that you complete this two days before the Funeral Mass so we can properly prepare for your loved ones' Funeral. If any questions arise, never hesitate to call the Parish Office.