Rites of Christian Burial

For information on planning on Catholic funeral, please click here.

Rites of Christian Burial:
All registered parishioners and their family members are welcome to receive the burial rites from The Parish of Saint Mary, whether in the form of a Mass of Christian Burial or the rites celebrated at the funeral home and graveside.  

Catholics who live within the territorial boundaries of the parish, but whom are not registered, are also eligible for funeral rites.  

Families of the deceased must contact a funeral director, who will, in turn, contact the parish to schedule a Mass.  

Times
A Mass of Christian Burial may be scheduled Monday through Saturday with the following exceptions: Christmas Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday.  Efforts are made to accomodate the requests of the family, the availability of clergy, and musicians.  

Offerings
Your offerings to the Parish cover associated costs of electricity, heating/cooling, musicians, etc, and are included in the fees due to the funeral home.  

PROCEDURES
When your loved one dies, your first step will be to contact your chosen funeral home.  
The funeral director's staff will contact the parish office to confirm the date and time of all arrangements.  Members of the volunteer Lazarus Ministry will contact the family to coordinate certain liturgical aspects of the wake and Mass.  

Wake Service (Vigil)
The Vigil Service usually takes place during the period of visitation and viewing at the funeral home. It is a time to remember the life of the deceased.

The Vigil Service can take the form of a Service of the Word with readings from Sacred Scripture accompanied by reflection and prayers. It can also take the form of one of the prayers of the Office for the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours. Your funeral director can assist in planning such service.
Members of the parish Lazarus Ministry will conduct all wake services at the funeral home. 

Please Note: The most appropriate time for all eulogies, personal reflections, etc. is during the wake, not during the Mass.

Mass of Christian Burial
The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. The Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to give praise and thanks to God for Christ's victory over sin and death, to commend the deceased to God's tender mercy and compassion, and to seek strength in the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery. The funeral liturgy, therefore, is an act of worship, and not merely an expression of grief.

• All family members and guests must arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.  
• Upon arriving, all are to take their seats in the church. 
• Those who may be reading are encouraged to practice their readings at home ahead of time.  Please note it is not necessary for family members to offer readings at this difficult time, as it is common to be overcome by emotion.  Parish readers are always available.