Funerals
We share your sorrow at the loss of your loved one. We would like to make planning of the funeral liturgy as easy and personal as possible. You will work with a dedicated Coordinator through the process to help guide you
Funeral Planning at our Parish
SCHEDULING A SERVICE AT ST. JOHN XXIII
As soon as death has occurred, please
contact the Funeral Director. The Funeral Director will help to coordinate the scheduling of services at the Church, Funeral Home, and the Cemetery. If you choose to have a funeral Mass, you will then receive a phone call from our Bereavement Minister who will assist you in planning the Funeral Liturgy.
Funerals are generally held on Mondays - Thursdays
The Funeral Director initiates the arrangements
Saturday funerals will be held as available
MASS INTENTIONS & OTHER MEMORIAL INFORMATION
OUR CEMETERIES
The Catholic Funeral
The Catholic funeral points us to Jesus, to God's promise of eternal life and to the joy of heaven, and honors the deceased person. It also allows us to perform a corporal work of mercy through caring for the person by burying them, and a spiritual work of mercy by praying for their soul.
The aspects of the Catholic funeral also work to provide comfort and closure for those who are grieving, and remind us all about our mortality. We join with God so that He can flood us with grace to help us get through this time of grief.
What to Expect at the Funeral
VIGIL FOR THE DECEASED (Wake)
The first part of the Catholic funeral is the wake, which is usually held the night before the funeral. Here, people gather to offer support and participate in a few prayers, Scripture readings, and a homily - sometimes eulogies are also read at this time.
MASS OF THE RESURRECTION (Funeral Mass)
The Catholic funeral Mass is where we honor and pray for the soul of the deceased, and are comforted in the hope of Christ and heavenly life. If there is a casket, the Mass begins at the entrance to the church with a short ceremony. In this ceremony we recall our Baptism, acknowledging the deceased is entering a new life. The casket is blessed with Holy Water, covered with a white cloth and processed down the aisle, followed by the family. The Catholic Mass then begins.
MUSIC SELECTIONS
The music for a funeral Mass must follow specific guidelines of sacred music that is approved by the Diocese. The music reflects faith and love and offers consolation. Usually a list of appropriate music is available at the parish. Our Bereavement Minister will review the choices of hymns with you. Other hymns may be requested, but their acceptance will be based on appropriateness to the church's liturgy and the cantor and pianist's knowledge of them. Our Parish Music Director, or a cantor and accompanist, will be present to lead the congregation in song.
RITE OF COMMITTAL (Cemetery Service)
The third and final part of the funeral liturgy occurs at the cemetery. The priest from the parish leads a brief prayer to help mourners leave their loved one in the hands of God.
CREMATION
The Catholic Church has allowed cremation since 1963. The Church teaches that the cremated remains of a body should be treated with respect and given the dignity deserved. The cremated remains may be present in the church during the funeral Mass. There are guidelines to be followed regarding the type of vessel that can be used, and for the disposition of the remains, which is preferred to be buried. The Funeral Director can assist you in making the arrangements.
Go to the USCCB WEBSITE for guidelines on Catholic cremation
FEES
For fees, please contact your funeral director.
Bless those who mourn, Lord our God, and cover them with your love that they may be comforted and filled with hope in God's promises, and may face each day with the assurance of Your goodness and love. May Your grace help the happy memories replace the painful ones over the days to come, and wrap around them so they can feel your love.
