Do not let your hearts be troubled. .  .        

          In my Father’s house there are many

          dwelling places. . .And if I go and prepare

          a place for you, I will come back again

          and take you to myself, so that where I

          am you also may be.   John 14:1-3

Prior to Death

Most people these days preplan their funerals.  They buy their burial plots, mausoleum crypts, or columbarium niches; select their caskets or urns; write their obituaries; and make known to their families their wishes for the celebration of their lives.  But little thought is given to how they wish to have the sacred dimension of their lives honored and celebrated.

The purpose of the funeral liturgy is to express our Christian hope in the Resurrection of the body, to commend the deceased to God, and to lend comfort and support to the deceased’s family and friends.  The funeral liturgy can also be a celebration of the deceased’s life of faith. 

When appropriate and desired a person and his family can meet with a member of the pastoral staff and plan the funeral.

Prior to the time of need.  The person is thus able to select hymns that nourish the soul and support our faith.  They are able to select the scriptures and give other input as to how the funeral liturgy will be celebrated.

As the time of death nears, the family should notify the church so that the Prayers for the Dying may be prayed with the person and their family. 

At the Time of Death

Once death has occurred, the funeral director should be notified.  All arrangements are made through the funeral director.  They will contact the parish and make all arrangements for the funeral vigil, the Mass, and the luncheon.  The family can then make arrangements to meet with Deacon Ken to plan the funeral liturgy.  If these plans have been made in advance,  they are reviewed and updated if necessary.   

The Funeral Vigil takes place the evening before the funeral Mass, usually at the funeral home.  The Church has provided a beautiful Liturgy of the Word to be used the evening before as the beginning of our prayer commending the deceased to God.  In earlier years the Rosary was said.  Now we encourage families who want to use the Rosary to incorporate a decade into the funeral Vigil Service.  Parishioners are prepared to lead these prayers. 

Ongoing Support

Immaculate Heart of Mary’s bereavement ministry offers follow-up support for the bereaved throughout the next eighteen months. 

A bereavement minister is assigned to each next of kin.  During the first year this minister makes quarterly phone calls to see how the person is doing.  Cards or notes are sent on significant dates: the Wedding Anniversary, Birthday of the deceased, Christmas, Easter, and first anniversary of death.  A grief support group will be offered twice a year as well as memorial prayer services.

At the end of the first year, the person’s adjustment is reviewed.  Two quarterly calls will be made if deemed to be beneficial and there will be a phone call at the second Christmas.  If after eighteen months the person is still deeply bereaved they will be offered a referral for grief counseling.  

Preparing the Funeral Liturgy 

• Preparation Form
• 1st Reading
• 2nd Reading
• Music