Funerals
Funeral Planning
The Funeral Mass is celebrated in the parish Church. Funerals may be celebrated on any day except Sundays, Solemnities, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
In our parish, funerals are usually celebrated during the 11:00 AM Mass. However, the funeral director, the family, and the pastor determine the most appropriate time for the funeral rites.
Whenever possible, family members of the deceased are encouraged to assist in the preparation of the liturgy. This includes:
– the selection of Scriptures
– the music
– the liturgy by placing the pall, be presenters of the gifts, and to fulfill the role of reader.
One of our Bereavement Ministers will help plan the funeral rites. As previously mentioned, a family member or friend may speak in remembrance of the deceased at the Vigil Service, or at the beginning of the Funeral Mass.
Music
Sacred music for the Mass of Christian burial should contain texts which speaks of Resurrection, comfort, hope, eternal life, and the kingdom of God. The following selections have been chosen because of their content.
Songs with Alleluia are not permitted during the Lenten season. Secular and taped music are not permitted during the Funeral Mass, but is possible with approval at the Vigil Service.
Giving a reflection on the life of the deceased:
To the family member or friend who will be giving a reflection on the life of the deceased:
Please accept the condolences and prayers of the people of Our Lady of Lourdes as you mark the passing from this life to the next of someone with whom you have been close as you mourn their absence.
The family has entrusted you with a sacred task in asking you to speak on their behalf.
These guidelines are offered to assist you in your preparation and the delivery of your remarks.
The purpose of the reflection is to draw attention to the deceased as his or her life bore witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A question for you to consider is how did he or she most resemble Christ in: 1) their relationship with others, 2) their perspective on right and wrong, 3) their suffering, 4) their faith in our Heavenly Father’s concern for all people?
Christians believe that in death, life is changed, not ended. Wherever possible, consider not only the past and significant events in the person’s life, but also look forward to the time when all the faithful will be together again.
A story or example is a helpful means to illustrate a point.
Only one person may speak at a funeral Mass. This may be done before the funeral liturgy begins. Reflections on the life of the deceased may also be given at the Vigil for the Deceased (wake service) and/or the committal. More than one person may speak at these times.
Your remarks are limited to no more than two to three minutes in duration.
It is appropriate and recommended that you review beforehand what you intend to say with the priest or pastoral minister who is assisting the family in preparing for the funeral liturgy.
Rehearsing your remarks aloud will help you to prepare and feel more self-assured when speaking during the funeral service.
At no time is it acceptable to use coarse or profane language or to engage in actions that would not ordinarily take place during a sacred ritual.