Funeral Liturgy

"Upon death, for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended, and, when this earthly dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven" (Roman Missal).
 

SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY

The clergy and staff of St. Joseph Catholic Church are available to assist throughout the process of dealing with the loss of a loved one. We offer the following guidance and planning information for those who have lost a loved one, and for those who are making funeral preparations for themselves. St. Joseph's Funeral Preparation Form (click here) is meant only to help with general preparation. Of course all are welcome to contact the parish office for specific details, and for clergy assistance.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Catholic funeral rites? 
There are many opportunities for prayer after death, such as gathering at the funeral home and viewing the body. The Church offers three formal services, all or some of which may be used:

• Vigil for the Deceased: The evening before the funeral, a Vigil may be scheduled with visitation. The Vigil is held at the funeral home or church. Devotions, such as the Rosary, and remembrances of the deceased (eulogy) are encouraged at this time.

• Funeral Mass: The Eucharist is the heart of the Paschal Mystery, when we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and our participation in that mystery. The Mass is offered for the person who has died. (Eulogies are not appropriate at a Funeral Mass.)

• Graveside Service: The Rite of Committal is celebrated at the place of burial or interment.

Who assists with funeral preparations?  
The funeral rites are planned in coordination with the family of the deceased, the Parish Staff, and the funeral home director. With assistance of the funeral home, we help the family with funeral planning.  Volunteers from our parish may also be available to assist as greeters, altar servers, Ministers of Holy Communion, and Lectors.

When do funeral preparations begin?  
Before or immediately upon the death of a loved one, families should contact the Parish Office. Advance preparation for funeral services is recommended. Contact the Church any time to make funeral preparations for yourself or a loved one.

Does the Church recommend a Funeral Mass?   
Yes, a celebration of the Mass is strongly encouraged for any Catholic who has died, even though the family may not be Catholic. On days when a Funeral Mass is not permitted, a prayer service is celebrated, such as Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Is a Funeral Mass allowed on Holy Days of Obligation?  
Funeral Masses are not allowed on Holy Days of Obligation, which includes Sundays, Mary Mother of God, Assumption of Mary, All Saints and Immaculate Conception.

Can I choose the readings, or does the Church choose them?  
The family is encouraged to select readings from Sacred Scripture. Click (here) for selection of possible readings.

Can I choose the hymns for the Mass?  
The family is encouraged to meet with our Parish Staff to plan all music for the liturgy. Please be aware that there are a fixed number of liturgical texts at a funeral Mass. Also, note that recorded, secular, and hymns that are not in keeping with the faith are not allowed. A cantor may be available to sing for the funeral. A list of most appropriate and common hymns can be found on page two of our Funeral Preparation Form (click here).

What times are available for funerals at St. Joseph Catholic Church?  
St. Joseph Catholic Church will make every effort to set a funeral time convenient for the family.  However, accommodations may be required due to city-wide or university events, that could cause a lot of traffic in the Cotton District area. Funeral Masses cannot take place on Sunday.

If there is no visitation the evening before, can we have a visitation hour before the funeral?  
Though this does not happen frequently, with the permission of the pastor, a visitation can take place beginning one hour before the funeral.

Can I have friends and family members offer a Eulogy?  
One family member or friend may speak at the end of the Funeral Mass. Eulogies are most appropriate at the Vigil and at the Graveside Service.

What if my family member wants to donate his/her body to science, what do we need to know?  
The Church views donation of organs as a commendable and meritorious act, as well as a donation of one’s body. A Funeral Mass takes place in the presence of the body (before donation to science).  Otherwise a Memorial Mass is held if the body is not present.

Does the Catholic Church allow cremation?  
Yes, the Church permits cremation, [CCC 2301] but the Church still prefers burial or entombment of the deceased.  To learn more about the Church’s view on Cremation, please refer to the USCCB Statement on Cremation and the Order of Christian Funerals (here).

Also, find out more information about the The Raymond & Geraldine Orgler Memorial Columbarium of St. Joseph Catholic Church here.

Does the Church charge for funerals?  
The Church does not charge for funerals. 

Can I bring flowers into the Church?  
Flower arrangements and funeral "sprays" may be brought into the foyer of the church. If flowers are allowed in the sanctuary, flower arrangements cannot be taller than the casket or funeral urn.  Nothing can be placed so that it obscures the view of the altar.  An arrangement may be placed at the foot of the table holding the funeral urn.  Artificial flowers are not allowed. 

May I request that a priest from another parish preside at a funeral at St. Joseph Catholic Church?  
Yes, visiting priests are welcomed at St. Joseph Catholic Church. If they are outside the Diocese of Jackson and presiding at the Mass, they will need to submit a "Letter of Suitability" from their local diocesan bishop.

Will there be an opportunity to gather at the Church after the Funeral Mass?
In order to provide an opportunity for family and friends to gather, share a meal together, console one another, and share memories, we at St. Joseph offer a meal/reception following funerals. Many parishioners come together to make this meal available, and the family and friends are always very thankful for this opportunity and generosity.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING ON DEATH

Our experiences of suffering, injustice, and death, can seem to contradict the Good News; they can shake our faith and become a temptation against it. During such times, Christians must turn to the witnesses of our faith. For example, Abraham “in hope... believed against hope.” Also, the Blessed Virgin Mary walked into the “night of faith” in sharing the darkness of her son’s suffering and death (CCC 164-65). Christians must also remember that Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father’s glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with him forever (CCC 665).

Click HERE for the Record of Deceased form. 

For more information, contact Jeff Artigues at [email protected]