GUIDELINE FOR FUNERAL MASS/SERVICE AT ST. MARTIN DE PORRES
Catholic Burial Guideline
The Catholic Church has always followed the tradition of celebrating Funeral Masses with the body of the deceased being present in the Church. It is the teaching of the Church to respect and honor the body of the dead, which becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit through Baptism.
Cremation: It is the Church’s recommendation that if cremation of the body is to take place, it occurs following the Funeral Mass. However, if cremated immediately after death, the Church now permits the cremated remains to be brought into Church for the Funeral Mass.
Preparation for the Funeral Service/Mass
Before you set up the date and time of the service with the funeral home, please contact the parish, or have the funeral home contact the parish, to ensure the church and clergy are available. The church will not cancel any activities previously scheduled
Vigil Service (Wake Service) and Rosary are normally done the night before the Funeral Mass/Service at the church. It is always done at the Funeral Home and performed by a Deacon. The Rosary, however, may be prayed at the church upon request; clergy, family members or any other person, may lead the Rosary.
The Funeral or Memorial Mass is celebrated by a priest and only takes place at the church. Funeral Services (celebration of the Liturgy of the Word only) may be lead by a deacon, at either the church or funeral home.
There are various Scripture readings that may be chosen for Catholic funeral Masses/services. The celebrant of the Mass/service is happy to select appropriate Scripture readings and make all of the liturgical preparations for the funeral. Family is encouraged to choose the readings (click here to view funeral readings) but, it is not required. If you wish to choose the readings, there are two options:
Option 1: First Reading (either from OT or NT), Responsorial Psalm, Gospel.
Option 2: First Reading from OT, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading from letters of NT, Gospel.
Hymns/songs for funeral Mass: Only the songs on our website may be used for Funeral Masses; they are properly suited for the liturgy. Secular music is not allowed during the Vigil Service at the church or funeral home and especially not at the Funeral Mass/Service. If you wish to play any secular music, please arrange it with the funeral home to take place either before or after the Vigil Service at the funeral home, or at the grave site.
Eulogies/pictures/slideshows, videos
In the days that follow the death of a loved one there are different moments where the family and friends focus on different aspects of saying goodbye to their loved one. At the funeral home there is a greater focus on the life of the deceased with pictures, slideshows, videos and memorabilia. At the funeral service the focus shifts to prayer. At the luncheon afterwards, there may again be pictures and storytelling.
Although, people commonly think of a eulogy as a part of the funeral service, the Catholic Church does not envision a eulogy1 (1 Cf. Order of Christian Funerals, nos. 27, 141. Cf. GIRM, no. 382.) as being a part of the funeral liturgy. This is more appropriately done in another setting (just as slideshows or videos are often shown at the funeral home but not at the funeral Mass). The focus of a Christian funeral is the Paschal Mystery: the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.2 (2 Order of Christian Funerals, nos. 1; 22; 27.) The funeral rites are not so much a celebration of the life of the deceased, but a prayer that the life and death of the deceased may be joined to Christ in heaven. Because the focus of a Catholic funeral is first on God, eulogies do not find their proper place within the funeral liturgy.
This does not mean we should not reflect on and celebrate the life of the deceased. It just means that such a celebration of the life of the deceased is more appropriate to a non-liturgical gathering (for example, at the funeral home, cemetery, or a post-funeral meal or reception).
Words of Remembrance
While the Church discourages eulogies at Catholic funerals, it does allow for a few words of remembrance at the end of the service, if a family wishes, before the Final Commendation.3 (3 Ibid, no. 170; no 197.) In a funeral Mass, this would be right after the prayer after Holy Communion. This is not a full eulogy, but a brief, 2 - 3 minute remembrance of the life of the deceased in the practice of faith. It also includes words of appreciation for those who are present at the funeral liturgy. This is proportionate to the other parts of the funeral rite. Being that this is given within the context of a Catholic liturgy, care should be exercised so that these words of remembrance do not contradict the values of the Catholic faith. If you have someone who gives these words of remembrance, please provide the text in writing to a clergy who will preside over the funeral liturgy at least three days before the funeral. The person chosen to deliver these remarks must be someone who is knowledgeable and respectful of Catholic beliefs and practices (ideally, a practicing Catholic).
Remuneration Fees:
The church offers the Funeral Mass/service free of charge for registered and non-registered parishioners. However, families or individuals may choose to make a donation in the name of the deceased person or family member. This memorial gift could be for a particular item (i.e. vestments, altar candlesticks, altar cloths, church building fund, etc…)
Clergy is also provided free of charge for parishioners and non-parishioners. The family may offer a stipend to the clergy member if they would like.
Music is not needed at the funeral Mass/service. If you would like music, please offer a $100.00 stipend directly to the musician.
Grief Sharing Ministry
Grief is a normal reaction to losing someone you love. You are invited to the Grief Sharing group meetings, a safe place to find support. Meetings are held the first and third Thursday of each month in the St. Dymphna Room 1. For more information, contact Abby Caswell at [email protected] or Candy Rosilier at [email protected]
Reception after the Funeral and Using of the Parish Hall
The facilities of the Church, including the parish hall, is supported by contributions from registered members of the church.
If you are non-registered parishioners, and if you want to provide your own reception for your family and friends at our parish hall, the parish hall must first be available for rent at the current price of the rental contract.