Funeral Planning
“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, no. 4
Steps for Planning a Funeral Mass
Step 1 – Plan a date and time for the Funeral. Talk to the funeral home you are using and they will contact the parish to discuss and confirm the availability at the church.
Step 2 – Call the parish office to schedule a meeting with Father Jarvis. This will be to pick readings, pick music and plan the details of the Funeral Mass.
Considerations when planning for the meeting
- Would you like to have a visitation the evening before or the day of before the Mass?
- Would you like to pray the rosary before the funeral Mass?
- Do you have a family member who would like to lead the rosary?
- Do you have a family member who would like to read the readings at the Funeral Mass? There can be one person or two different people for the readings.
- Would you like to Live-stream the funeral? If so, would you like it broadcasted publicly or privately? Would you like to keep a recording of the livestream? If you would like a recording, please bring a flash drive beforehand to put the recording on.
- Would you like the Funeral Mass publicized in the bulletin(if there is time) or in a parish email?
Picking the readings for the Funeral Mass
You are welcome to pick some or all of the readings for the Mass. If you prefer not to, Father can pick them out. Please look through the readings ahead of time and think about which options you would like.
Options for funeral readings can be found on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by clicking this link:
You will need to choose a reading for the following parts
- A reading from the Old Testament (during the Easter Season, a New Testament reading may be chosen. The Easter season is from Easter Sunday until Pentecost)
- A responsorial psalm to be sung by the cantor
- A reading from the New Testament
- A Gospel reading (the priest can choose this, if preferred)
Picking the music for the Funeral Mass
“Music is integral to the Funeral rites. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that word alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love. The texts of the songs chosen for a particular celebration should express the paschal mystery of the Lord’s suffering, death, and triumph over death and should be related to the readings from Scripture.” – Order of Christian Funerals, No. 30
The funeral liturgy has five options for you to pick music
- A processional song
- A song during the preparation of gifts
- A communion song
- A song for the final commendation
- A recessional song
*****************Song List below********************
The bringing of the gifts of bread and wine at the offertory is optional. Please let Father know at the planning meeting if you would like to do this.
Eulogies and remembrances for the deceased are not permitted during the Mass. If you would like to, the best place to do it is at the burial service.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out Father Jarvis or the parish office. We are honored to help you during this difficult time. Please be assured of our prayers and support.
May God bless you and fill you with peace!
