Funeral Planning
-
-
“At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting word of God and the sacrament of the Eucharist.” -Order of Christian Funerals, #4.
-
-
Arrange a Funeral Mass
-
-
Carole Romaniniparishsjavb.orgOffice Manager, Bulletin, Sacramental Records, Baptisms, Wedding Coordinator
-
-
At this difficult time, please know that you are kept in the thoughts and prayers of the parishioners of St. John's.
Funeral arrangements begin with a meeting with the funeral director at the funeral home of your choice. The funeral home will contact our parish and confirm the day and time for the funeral Mass.
The next step is to contact our office to schedule a time to come to the office to plan the funeral Mass. We will guide the immediate family through the selection of Church-approved readings and sacred music. Family will be given the choice of choosing their own readers or having members of our Funeral Team proclaim the Old and New Testament readings. Offertory gift bearers may also be selected.
The funeral Mass is held at the church with either the loved one’s body or cremated remains present. At the entrance to the church, the casket is sprinkled with holy water and covered with a pall, a reminder of baptism. When the procession reaches the front of the church, a symbol of Christian faith, such as a Bible or Crucifix, may be placed on the casket.
An urn of cremated remains will be placed on a table at the front of the church before the Mass begins.
After the Commendation and Farewell when the remains are honored with incense and the pall is removed, the service may continue at a cemetery for interment of a casket or committal of cremated remains.
-
-
Other Considerations
-
BODY VS. CREMATION:
The Full Body is still “preferred” because there is a propensity to disrespect the body if cremation isn’t done properly with the utmost respect for what it still is; the body. Cremation can diminish reverence for the body in a way that traditional burial does not. The Church allows cremation, with the stipulation that full respect for the body is retained. However, an unfortunate trend some funeral directors have noticed in recent years is the way cremation tends to diminish reverence for the body.
The way we lay a deceased loved one to rest should reflect the same reverence with which Jesus Himself was buried. After the Crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took Christ’s Body, wrapped it in a linen shroud with myrrh, aloes, and other spices, and laid him in a tomb in which no one had yet been buried.FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Funerals are a special ministry of the Church and one where we meet families at defining moments of faith. No one will be denied the services of the Church for financial reasons; if the fees are burdensome, please speak with the priest. The funeral fee at St. John the Apostle is $600.00. The fee may be paid through the funeral home or by a family member. It should be paid on or before the day of the funeral.
TRIBUTES AND EULOGIES:
Individual tributes should be reserved for the wake service prior to the funeral Mass, the graveside, or for a reception following. Eulogies at Mass are not permitted. The reasoning behind this Church-wide policy is that in the Christian funeral, we gather not to praise the deceased, but to pray for them. The Mass -- the Eucharist--is the supreme gift we can give our loved one when they die. The homily can make some reference to the person's life of faith, but a eulogy cannot be part of a Catholic Mass.DISPLAYS AND PHOTOGRAPHS:
We welcome displays of photographs and memorabilia in the church commons.
FLOWERS:
Flower arrangements may be displayed in the commons only and should be removed after the funeral.
BEREAVEMENT HOSPITALITY MINISTRY:
We have a ministry dedicated to providing parish hospitality for bereaved family and friends by hosting a reception following Mass or interment. There is no charge for the services of this ministry, although donations are always welcome. Food and beverages are served, so the family need not worry about the needs of their guests. Please discuss this option with us during the funeral planning meeting.
-
-
-
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light Shine upon them, May they rest in peace. Amen.
-
