Funeral

Funeral Planner Guide

Saint Anne Catholic Church wishes to stand with you in this difficult time. We know there are many decisions to be made — while grieving — and the details of Funeral Rite liturgy of the Church can be overwhelming. In no way are these meant to complicate an already difficult experience. This is to draw together differing aspects of the process so that should a question be forgotten, or something overlooked while meeting at the Funeral Home, simply scanning these might fill in what has not been covered. Keep in mind that these guidelines apply only to Saint Anne Parish.

Saint Anne will make every effort to set a funeral time that is convenient for you and your family. We suggest that one member of the family, or other designed person, serve as the primary contact person for the funeral home and for the parish.

As Catholics, we celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise and thanksgiving for the gift of life which has now returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just. The Church identifies three principal rites of celebration, with the flexibility to choose the rite and/or rites that best serves you and your family.

• The Vigil (Wake) Service – usually takes place on the eve of the Funeral Mass and may be held in the Funeral Home. This service generally includes Scripture readings, prayers and consolation for the members of the bereaved family. The Rosary, or a portion of it, may be recited since it helps us to reflect upon the Paschal Mystery and so leads us to a greater sense of hope at this time of grief. A priest, deacon, family member, or a friend may conduct this rite.

•  Funeral Mass – the central liturgical celebration, which takes place in the church, with a priest as the presider. The funeral liturgy includes the reception of the body, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Final Commendation and Farewell. As an expression of our faith in Jesus Christ we actively participate in the Funeral Mass. Family members may cover the casket with the pall, read Scripture, and present the gifts at the offertory. This rite can be celebrated with the presence of the body or cremains (cremated remains). Other options, like a Memorial Mass without the body may also be arranged.

• Rite of Committal – celebrated at the cemetery, columbarium, or memorial garden. This service consists of prayers, blessings, and a final farewell.

Planning for the Funeral Services

Flowers

We welcome flowers as part of the funeral celebration. They will be displayed and arranged inside the sanctuary area of the church.

Pictures and Portraits

We provide space, easels and tables for the display of your loved one’s pictures and remembrances.

Eulogies

The appropriate place for eulogies would be at the Vigil Service prior to the Funeral Mass. If this is not done and the family desires to have a eulogy at the funeral or Memorial Mass, the following guidelines should be observed:

• The family should indicate to the priest or deacon at the time of the funeral planning if they would like someone to deliver a eulogy.
• The eulogy must follow the prayer after communion.
• Please limit the number of persons giving eulogy to two.
• Other opportunities for speakers are at the graveside or at the reception.
• An alternative to a eulogy is a printed souvenir leaflet with biographical and other details of the deceased’s life and achievements, which serves as a more permanent keepsake.

Reception

Families may request to use the Parish Life Center or the Assembly Area of the church for a reception following a Funeral Mass, subject to availability, where family and friends can gather for a time of refreshment and remembrance.

Donations and Fees

• There is no charge for a funeral at Saint Anne Parish. It is customary to give a donation to the parish to help defray the cost of lights, air conditioner, cleaning, and maintenance of the facilities.
• There is no charge for the services of the priest, deacon, or altar servers. However, it is recommended a generous discretionary donation for their services.
• Fees and stipends for the Music Director and cantor(s) are arranged directed with them. Please make sure to provide for the professional work.

A Final Thought on Catholic Funeral

As members of the body of Christ, when one suffers, we all suffer. Therefore, we are called on as a community to care for the dying, to console those who mourn, and to participate in the funeral rites. The celebration of a Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living. Prayerful preparation and planning of the funeral rites will help you and your loved ones deal successfully and gracefully with the ultimate rite of passage through death to eternal life.

The complete guidelines and explanations are found in the booklet entitled Preparing a Catholic Funeral. 

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Liturgy of the Word

Although any favorite scripture passage may be chosen, the following suggestions are particularly appropriate for expressing the Christian meaning of death. Choose one reading from each of the three categories on pages 31 through 43 of the Preparing a Catholic Funeral by Rev. Kenneth Koehler.

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Funeral Musical Selections
Sacred music has an integral role in the funeral rites, as it consoles and uplifts mourners, in addition to uniting the assembly in faith and love. In an effort to help you select music for the loss of your loved one, below is a list of common funeral hymns and songs. Click on each song to go to a YouTube link that provides a recording.

Please contact the Director of Music to discuss your choices below and if there are any additions not listed below.

Cost for musicians: Accompanist – $125, Cantor – $75. If one person covers both, the total is $200.

The Contact Person should call the Music Director Mr. Jermaine Evans at (803) 517-4537 regarding fees and stipends.