The Catholic Funeral Mass brings hope and consolation to the living. The Funeral Liturgy and the Rite of Committal ultimately serve to root the difficult experience of the death of a loved one in a Christian understanding of life, death, and what happens after death, focusing on both the person who has died and the people who have been left behind.
Funeral Planning
The first step in planning a funeral should be to contact a funeral home. The funeral home will coordinate with the church to plan the date and time and contact the music director. The priest who celebrates the funeral Mass will contact the family to set up a meeting with the family and to discuss details of the Mass.
Liturgy Program
Some families choose to prepare a liturgy program to assist those attending the service. These programs are NOT required. Samples are available in the rectory office, and local printers or copy centers can provide folding and copying services. The templates below are offered to make the preparation process easier.
Sacred Music for Funerals
Please review the link below. It has a list of sacred music that is appropriate and recommended for Funerals at Saint James Parish. These hymns may be found in the Ignatius Pew Missal at the church.