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 Policies at Saint James
The most important obligation we have to our deceased loved ones is to pray for them. There is no greater prayer than the Mass itself. The Church’s Mass of Christian Burial (Funeral Mass) is offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased. By way of the Mass we are united with all the Christian faithful – here and in heaven – in commending the souls of the faithful departed to God.
The Church’s liturgies also acknowledge God’s goodness as lived out in the life of the deceased. Finally, they also bring consolation to those who mourn. Click here to read the funeral policies of Saint James Parish. You are asked to read through this so that you are aware of them. This document also contains some common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
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.
The office will also arrange that the name of the deceased be added to our Sunday Mass petitions and to our parish prayer chain.
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.