Preparing for a Funeral
We at St. Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family at the death of your loved one. It is our hope that the following information will assist you in preparing a meaningful and prayerful funeral service.
If you have any questions, please contact us in the Parish Office – 858-277-3133.
Roman Catholics have special prayers and rites for the dead. The traditional funeral includes:
- An optional vigil or “wake” service. This generally takes place at the funeral home.
- A service in the Church on the day of burial. This service normally includes the celebration of the Eucharist.
Prayers at the graveside
Roman Catholics may be cremated, if they wish. (Diocesan Guidelines are available upon request.)
Funeral Liturgy
The Funeral Liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. There are two forms of the Funeral Liturgy: the Funeral Mass or the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass. At the Funeral Liturgy the community 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.
Readings
We have a selection of readings available from which you may choose the first and second readings. We will provide guidance to you in this area during the planning process.
Eulogy
The Order of Christian Funerals is very clear that “a brief homily” (not a “eulogy”) should be given at the funeral liturgy. This does not mean that the deceased cannot be spoken about in the homily, but that the Word of God must be primary. The homilist speaks the scriptural word to help the assembly understand how the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus was operative in the life and death of the deceased. Providing a brief biography of the deceased during the planning process will help personalize the homily.
A member of the family or a friend may speak in remembrance of the deceased (“eulogy”). This needs to be arranged with the presider when planning the funeral.
Only one or two persons may speak
The remembrance should be brief; (between 3 and 5 minutes).
The remembrance should be well prepared by the friend/family member ahead of time so that it is focused, and does not exceed 5 minutes. (A written text is highly recommended.
The Order of Christian Funerals also permits speaking in remembrance of the deceased at the vigil for the Deceased. In fact, this is a better time to offer remembrances for the deceased than in the funeral Mass.
Music
Music is an essential component of the Funeral Liturgy. All music must be approved by our parish Music Director. We have a list of appropriate hymns to aid you in your selection of music.
Guest Book
There is a podium at the entrance of the church on which you may place a guest book. If you are having your reception at St. Catherine’s, the guest book may be brought over to the Hall after the service.
Flowers
Flowers may be delivered to the church the day of the funeral. Because of limited space, some of the arrangements may be placed in the vestibule of the church. Flowers are never allowed to be placed directly on the altar.
Eucharistic Ministers
If a family member or friend is a trained Eucharistic Minister, you may ask them to participate in the liturgy as minister of the cup.
Pictures of the Deceased
Photographs of the deceased are permitted in the vestibule of the church. One photograph no larger than 11 X 14 may be placed on a table with a flower arrangement in the Church itself.
Reception
If you would like to have a reception following the liturgy in our Parish Hall, please check with the Parish Secretary for availability. We will provide you with Hospitality Guidelines during the planning process and provide you with the contact information of the volunteers in the Bereavement Ministry who can help you plan the reception and suggest a caterer. We do not allow non-catered food to be used for any events at St. Catherine’s. Please note that receptions should be limited to 2 hours.
Stipends
It is customary to make an offering to the church on the occasion of a funeral. This offering is for the on-going work of the parish and to cover expenses. The offering for a funeral is $350 which includes the Church and the music and the Parish Hall. You are responsible for the cost of the caterer and any decorations that you provide.
A stipend for the priest or deacon is greatly appreciated.