We experience confusion and a sense of bewilderment when we lose someone. We often feel that we don't know whom to contact when it happens. We think that we need to contact the priest, the church, the cemetery, the newspaper-all these people, all at once. It can be overwhelming as we are left asking "How can I do everything?" Thankfully, you don't have to do everything. Here are the first steps you should take:
First, select a funeral home or cremation service. After you contact them, they will arrange for a time for you to meet with them. When you do meet,, they will ask you when and where you would like to have a funeral. They will then contact the parish to arrange for the Funeral Mass. We always try to accomodate your wishes as best we can. All of this will depend on whether the church is available at the time and date you select. Please keep in mind that there are certain days when funerals are not allowed such as Sundays, and major Feast Days.
The funeral home will also contact the cemetery, and the military for an honor guard if the deceased served in the Armed Forces.
Second-once the date and time of the funeral has been set and your contact information is provided to the parish, we will contact the ministers on our Funeral Planning Team to get one of our planners assigned to help you through the planning of the Mass for your loved one. The planner will contact you and can arrange to meet with you in person or to assist you via phone-whatever works best for you.
We have included our Funeral & Obituary Planning Booklet for those who wish to pre-plan their Funeral as well as linked listings of the Readings and music that are available for you to choose from.
And as always, we are here to walk with you during this difficult time.