The loss of a loved one is difficult and often life-changing. As Catholics, we believe that the Mass of Christian Burial is a loving and vital part of saying goodbye. Our pastoral staff and bereavement team will work with you to prepare a personal and appropriate funeral liturgy.
Scheduling
Funerals are usually scheduled Monday through Saturday at 10 or 11 AM. A viewing or visitation in the church is possible beginning at 9 AM.
Generally, the funeral home calls the parish office to schedule.
Planning
Once the funeral home schedules the funeral, a member of the parish’s bereavement ministry will call the family to plan the funeral. The bereavement minister usually meets with representatives of the family at the parish office. The bereavement minister will review the following topics:
- The life and character of the decedent
- Hymns – preview the music list
- Scripture readings (the first and second readings may be proclaimed by a relative or friend)
- Eulogy (limited to 5 minutes; must be written ahead of time; given at the beginning of the funeral)
- Other rituals open to participation by the family and friends, like the placement of the pall (a cloth placed over the casket) and the offertory procession
- Christ the King will provide an organist and cantor for the Mass. We are proud of our talented cantors and organist at Christ the King, however if you wish to use an outside cantor or organist they must be approved by the Director of Liturgy and Music.
- Recorded music can not to be used in place of an organist and cantor, but can be used briefly during the funeral visitation at the discretion of the bereavement minister.
Planning A Funeral without a Funeral Home
Common Questions
Casket or urn?
Cremation is always permitted, but it is preferred that it take place after the funeral. The priest is happy to meet the family at the cemetery for the burial at a later date.
Although cremation is now permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites.
Order of Christian Funerals‘ Appendix on Cremation, no. 413
The Church values the body as integral to our human nature and every Sunday we profess our belief in “the resurrection of the body.”
Burial or keepsake?
The body or cremains should be buried or entombed in a cemetery. A Catholic cemetery is preferred but not necessary.