Funeral Rite

"Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended, and when this earthly dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven." - Eucharistic Preface for the Dead I

Catholic Funeral Rite

"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. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist." (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4)

Frequently Asked Questions about Funerals

  • How are funerals scheduled in the Catholic Parishes of the Blue Hills?

    Funerals at each of the Catholic Parishes of the Blue Hills are scheduled at 10:30 AM unless there is a wake prior (i.e. that morning). In that case, a funeral can take place at 11 AM. 


    For funeral Mass information, you can call 857-342-9500, ext. 10

  • What does a Roman Catholic funeral look like?

    A Roman Catholic funeral has 3 parts: 

    • Vigil for the Deceased (occurring during a wake or calling hours) 

    • Funeral liturgy in the form of a Mass 

    • Committal of the body into the ground or crypt. 


  • How do I select music for a funeral Mass?

    Special hymns are chosen for a funeral Mass. These hymns speak to God’s presence in times of sorrow, our hope in the Resurrection and other themes that will help you pray during this difficult time. If you need assistance in picking appropriate hymns for Masses, please ask and we can direct you to our music ministry director for assistance in selecting hymns. 

  • Are eulogies done during the funeral Mass?

    Eulogies occur after the reception of Communion. One person may deliver the eulogy. This reflection should last about 5 minutes and ideally should mention something about the faith life of the deceased. 

  • Are Catholics allowed to be cremated?

    Yes. While the preference is still to be buried due to the belief in the Resurrection of the body, Catholics are allowed to be cremated. However, it must not occur as an intentional denial of the Catholic belief in the Resurrection of the body. 

  • Can we livestream the Funeral Mass?

    You are most welcome to live-stream the funeral Mass from your smartphone or tablet! We will be happy to provide you with the WiFi password to make it possible! 

  • I would like to donate something in memory of my loved one. What does the Church need?

    Thank you so much for thinking of the Church during this time. We will keep your loved one remembered in prayer. If you would like to donate something in memory of a loved one, we have liturgical vestments that our priests wear that can be inscribed with your loved one's name. For more information on purchasing a vestment in remembrance of a loved one, follow this link: https://osvhub.com/stannehydepark/forms/memorial-vestments


    You can also purchase a Glory and Praise Hymnal that parishioners use during Mass. Your loved one's name will be remembered through a book's dedication on the inside cover. The suggested offering for this donation is $25. 


 

Funeral Liturgy

 

The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. When one of its members dies, the Church encourages the celebration of the funeral liturgy at a Mass. When Mass cannot be celebrated, a funeral liturgy outside Mass can be celebrated at the church or in the funeral home.

 


 

At the funeral liturgy, the Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to give praise and thanks to God for Christ's victory over sin and death, to commend the deceased to God's tender mercy and compassion, and to seek strength in the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery. The funeral liturgy, therefore, is an act of worship, and not merely an expression of grief.

 


 

The Rite of Committal (Burial or Interment), the conclusion of the funeral rite, is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. It should normally be celebrated at the place of committal, that is, beside the open grave or place of interment. In committing the body to its resting place, the community expresses the hope that, with all those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, the deceased awaits the glory of the resurrection. The Rite of Committal is an expression of the communion that exists between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven: the deceased passes with the farewell prayers of the community of believers into the welcoming company of those who need faith no longer, but see God face-to-face.

 


 

The clergy and your funeral director can assist in planning all aspects of your loved one’s funeral. Please contact the offices of the Blue Hills Collaborative to schedule a Funeral Liturgy, inquire about customary offerings, or receive any other information regarding funerals at our parishes.

 


 

Annual Memorial Masses for the Deceased

 

Each year, each of the parishes of the Catholic Parishes of the Blue Hills  conduct a Memorial Mass at one of the regular Sunday masses and invite family members of each of the persons whose funerals were conducted at each parish within the previous year.

 


 

Portions of this page are ©2016 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

Mass Cards

We have Mass cards for both the living and deceased. If you would like to have Mass celebrated for a special intention, or for a recently deceased loved one, Mass cards are available at the Collaborative Center. The free will donation is typically $8.00 per card. People often take one with them to a wake, to let the family know that they are praying for them.