Funerals
Losing a loved one is a profound and life-changing experience. In these moments of grief, the Church stands with you, offering compassion, prayer, and support. At a Catholic funeral, our community comes together to give thanks for Christ’s victory over death and to honor the life of the deceased. It is a time of both sorrow and hope, grounded in faith and the promise of eternal life.
Those preparing a funeral service for a loved one often have questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding preparing for a funeral service in our church.
Who Should Be Contacted Upon the Death of a Loved One?
When a loved one passes, please contact the parish office to make an appointment with our pastor to begin the funeral planning process. Our pastor will work together with the funeral home to help arrange the details of the funeral liturgy.
We ask for as much advance notice as possible so we can accommodate your preferred dates while considering the ongoing schedule of our parish.
I Have Been Away from the Church. Can We Still Have a Funeral of a Loved One in Your Church?
A funeral can be celebrated in our church regardless of how closely the deceased or their family were connected to the Church, provided the deceased did not live a lifestyle directly opposed to Church teachings.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the parish office. We are here to offer guidance and support.
Is Cremation Permitted?
The Church permits cremation, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Church teachings. The Church encourages that the body be present for the funeral Mass, with cremation taking place afterward and the remains subsequently interred.
If cremation occurs before the funeral, the cremated remains should be present at the liturgy and treated with the same respect as a body. The Church requires that the remains be laid to rest in a sacred place designated for this purpose. They should not be scattered, kept indefinitely at home, or incorporated into keepsakes, jewelry, or other objects.
For more information on the Church’s teachings regarding cremation, please click here.
Is a Eulogy Permitted?
While a funeral Mass is a time to honor and remember the deceased, it is also a celebration of Christ’s Death and Resurrection. For this reason, a eulogy—focused solely on praising the life of the deceased—is not permitted during the Mass itself.
A eulogy may, however, be shared at the vigil, before the funeral Mass begins, or at the interment. This will be discussed with our pastor during the planning process to ensure that the liturgy remains both meaningful and faithful to Catholic tradition.
What Fees are Associated With a Funeral in Your Church?
In accordance with Archdiocesan policy, the offering for funerals in our church is $300.00. Those without means are not obligated to pay the full amount. The priest is paid out of the $300.00 amount that is given to the church. You may choose to give a free will offering to the musicians serving at the funeral.
Can We Use the Parish Hall for a Reception?
The parish has a hall that can be booked for a reception following the service. There is no set fee to rent hall, a free will offering is recommended. Our parish hall seats approximately 40 people comfortably. The hall is only accessible via stairs.