The Catholic Funeral Rite | The Church of Saint Ann 

"At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life….” (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4).

Dear Family Member,

Please accept the sympathy and prayers of the parishioners of the Church of Saint Ann during your time of loss. Know that we are here to accompany you during the time of death.

We ask that you contact a Funeral Director before contacting the parish to schedule a funeral. After meeting with the funeral director, the funeral director’s staff will contact the Church of Saint Ann to schedule the day and time of the funeral. Once the parish is notified of your family member's passing, you will receive a call from a parish representative in order to schedule a convenient time for you to come to the parish to plan the Funeral Liturgy and choose the hymns and readings for this occasion. See the links at the bottom, to assist you in the planning prior to meeting with a parish representative. This will give you more time to reflect on the readings and/or hymns in a timely fashion. Please know that you do not need to complete this before meeting with someone from the parish. This is for your convenience. A representative from the parish will assist you in working through the “Funeral Check List,” and in selecting appropriate hymns and readings.

The Funeral Rite Usually Includes:

• A Vigil Service (Wake) is celebrated in the funeral home or the church. This is a time to gather with family and friends to console us in our grief, give us strength to support one another, and remember the life of the deceased. Therefore, eulogies are encouraged at this time. 
   
• A Mass of Christian Burial (Funeral Liturgy) is celebrated in the Church. As Catholic Christians, we believe that death is not the end of life. It is therefore appropriate that there be a structured observance (Funeral Rite) for this important event to mark our passing. The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. At the time of death, the Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to give thanks to God for Christ’s victory over death, and to commend the deceased to God’s eternal mercy and love. 
   
• A Rite of Committal (Burial or Interment). This marks the conclusion of the funeral rite. It is normally celebrated at the place of committal, that is, beside the open grave or place of interment. In committing the deceased to their resting place, we express hope that, with all those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, the deceased awaits the glory of the resurrection.​ 

Suggested Funeral Readings
When choosing readings, note there is one reading from the Old Testament, and one reading from the New Testament. Family members and/or friends can participate by proclaiming the readings at Mass. The Gospel reading is selected and proclaimed by the priest.

The following are lists of Scriptures appropriate for use at Catholic Funeral Liturgies. You can view the respective readings by clicking on the links below.

*Other Scripture passages can be presented to the presider for approval. 
**Non-Scripture readings cannot be read in place of these readings but could be used in the worship aides or through some other means.

Old Testament Readings (Select one)
New Testament Readings (Select one)
Gospel (Select one)


Music
Music is a very important part of the Funeral Mass. Music can bring about comfort and peace to those attending. An organist and our parish Resurrection Choir will be present to lead us in song. You can view the appropriate music selection by clicking on this link.

Remembrance
While remembrances are suggested at the wake, they may take place as the funeral Mass begins. It is important that the remembrance be brief (three minutes) and focus on the life and faith of the deceased. 

Cremation
Although ordinarily, the body is present for a Christian funeral, it is permissible to celebrate the funeral liturgy in the presence of the ashes of the deceased. Placed in a worthy container, the ashes should be reverently buried or entombed within six months after the funeral. Cremated remains should never be scattered or kept in a private residence.

Funeral Offerings
There is a suggested donation of $300 to the Church, a fee of $125 for the organist, and a fee of $100 to a cantor--payment is made by the Funeral Home to the Church and the organist.  In case of a cemetery service only or service at the funeral home, we suggest a donation of $200 be made directly to the priest or deacon leading the service.