The death of a loved one is always a difficult time, no matter the circumstances; it never seems to be the right time. It can, however, be an instance when faith can be a source of true support.
The first step in arranging a funeral is to call the funeral home you want to utilize for the funeral of a loved one. This is necessary to ensure an agreed upon date and time for both the funeral home and the church. There are many decisions you will be making and one of the most important is personalizing the funeral Mass.
At St. Catharine, we provide many opportunities for the family of the deceased to play an active role in the funeral Mass. This includes choosing readings and hymns, as well as, active participation at the Mass by doing the readings, bringing forward the gifts of bread and wine, having a family member do a family reflection/eulogy at the beginning of Mass and several other opportunities.
No two families have the same approach and we are not pressuring you to do all or any of the above. If you choose not to make these choices, the presider will choose appropriate readings and songs. At the same time, we want you to know all the options being offered if you choose to do so.
By using the Funeral Liturgy Selection form, you will see the options available for choosing readings, as well as using family members and/or friends to actively participate in the funeral liturgy.
By providing a planning form, reading choices and song choices online, it gives those family members separated by miles to see the choices and participate in the planning from afar. Please know we always offer to sit down and meet with family members to discuss these choices as well as informing us about the deceased.
It is our sincere hope that these online materials will make you feel like you can play whatever part you like in the funeral Mass of your beloved loved one.