Funeral Planning
We celebrate the life and pray for the deceased.All baptized are entitled to the full Rite (Ceremony) of Christian Burial. You and your family will experience the Rite of Christian Burial in three distinct and important parts:
The Wake Service
Ordinarily a priest or deacon will come to the funeral home prior to the public viewing to lead this short service of prayer and scripture. Many people forgo wakes, but it is an important part of the grieving process. You will experience an overwhelming amount of support and the blessing of shared memories.
Eulogies may be shared either at the wake or at the committal at the cemetery, but not during the funeral Mass.
The Funeral Liturgy
This is the most important part of the celebration of Christian Burial and is one of the most beautiful and meaningful celebrations of the Church. The bodily remains are honored by being brought to the Church where we celebrate the life and pray for the deceased within the context of the Mass.Your family may choose the scriptures to be read and the music selections from the list provided. Secular music is not permitted during the context of Mass, but your loved one’s favorite songs may be played at the wake and cemetery.
The Committal
A parish priest or deacon will accompany the remains and the family to the cemetery, where the Rite of Christian Burial will conclude with the prayers of Committal and Final Commendation. Should one wish to speak in memory of the deceased, as in a eulogy or a remembrance, the Funeral Rite allows for such to usually take place as part of the Prayer of Commendation that will be prayed at the cemetery.