Funeral Planning & Guidance | St. John Roman Catholic Parish
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St. John Roman Catholic Parish

Funeral Planning & Guidance

"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." John 11:25

People gathered in prayer at a cemetery service

Our Sincere & Prayerful Condolences

On behalf of St. John Roman Catholic Parish, we extend our prayers and support to you in your time of grief and loss. Our parish hopes to provide you with an opportunity to seek the Lord's comfort through the traditions, rituals and faithful prayers of our parish family.

Choosing One of the Funeral Rituals

There are three (3) forms of the ritual:

Church altar featuring a prominent crucifix

Mass of Christian Burial

The traditional and most encouraged ritual for baptized Catholics. The Mass is celebrated on the day of the burial, and Catholics may receive the Eucharist.

People gathered at a funeral service

Funeral Ritual at the Funeral Home

The community gathers to hear the Liturgy of the Word and proceeds directly to the grave side. A memorial Mass is encouraged.

Mourners gathered near a grave with white flowers

Funeral Ritual at the Grave Side

The community gathers at the burial spot or cemetery chapel. A memorial Mass at the parish is encouraged.

Wake Service Options

Families may choose to have Vigil Prayers (Christian Wake Service) during viewing times:

  • - This should take place when many guests are present.
  • - Inform the prayer leader if you wish to pray the traditional Rosary.
  • - Testimonies and eulogies can be said before the formal Vigil Prayers.
Rows of flickering candles in a chapel

Liturgical Policies

Eulogy & Testimonies

  • - The Archdiocesan policy allows only one person to offer a 2- to 4-minute prepared reflection at the funeral liturgy.
  • - Eulogies are given before or after Mass, not during the liturgy.
  • - All other persons who wish to speak on behalf of the deceased should do so at the Christian Wake Service.

Cremation & Burial

  • - The cremated remains are still the body of the deceased and deserve a sacred place of interment.
  • - The body is not to be scattered or kept in a private home.
  • - The Catholic Church can celebrate the funeral liturgy with the body present before cremation occurs, or with the ashes in an urn.

Words of Encouragement

"Our rituals and prayers show that death in Christ is a sign of great Hope and consolation. In our experience, the most beautiful and consoling funerals have been the most simple. Keep your plans simple, allowing our Faith in Jesus Christ to speak for itself."

Sacred Symbols of the Funeral Liturgy

A white funeral pall laid over a casket during a Catholic funeral liturgy

The Pall

The white cloth placed over the casket recalls the baptismal garment and signifies the Christian dignity of the deceased.

A priest sprinkling holy water over a casket covered with a white funeral pall

Holy Water

The sprinkling of holy water reminds us of Baptism - the sacrament that first united the deceased with Christ.

Paschal candle with floral decorations in a church

The Easter Candle

The Paschal candle, symbol of the risen Christ, is placed near the casket as a sign of hope in the Resurrection.

A priest holding incense in a church

Incense

Incense honors the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and symbolizes prayers rising to God.

Pipe organ within a church

Sacred Music

Hymns and chants express faith in the Resurrection and offer consolation to the bereaved community.

Chalice and communion wafers in a sacred setting

Holy Communion

The Eucharist nourishes the faithful and unites them with Christ and with the deceased in the communion of saints.

In your time of loss, the parish community walks with you in prayer and faith. Please contact the Parish Office to begin planning a funeral liturgy for your loved one.

Fill the Planning Form