Preparing the Funeral Liturgy

At the death of a Christian...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.  Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just."  - Order of Christian Funerals

After you have scheduled the date and time for your loved one's funeral with the priest, before you meet with him to prepare for the liturgy, please fill out the form below as much as possible.  Adjustments can be made at the meeting with the priest.  For your reference, you will receive a copy of your selections in your email when you submit this form.  [Note: You must call the parish and confirm the date and time for the funeral BEFORE filling out this form.]

For the selection of readings, the Order of Christian Funerals says:

A careful selection and use of the readings from Scripture for the funeral rites will provide the family and the community with an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their needs, sorrows, fears, and hopes.

An altar server is often available to assist for a funeral Mass.  The stipend is $20 for an altar server paid directly to them on the day of the liturgy.  The parish office will let you know if there is an altar server signed up.

The stipend for the musician for a funeral is $150, which you can pay directly to the musician before or after the liturgy on the day of the funeral.  Several volunteers from our music ministry are typically present to sing for funerals.  If you have any questions about the selection of music, please email the director of music, Jeff Rice, for assitance.  With reguards to music selection, the Orders of Christian Funeral states:

The music at funerals should support, console, and uplift the participants and should help to create in them a spirit of hope in Christ's victory over death and in the Christian's share in that victory.