What decisions will I be asked to make?
Generally, the family is asked to choose readings, to choose family members or friends to proclaim the readings and to offer musical suggestions.
Who should read the readings?
During the meeting with the parish clergy, you will be provided with a choice of readings appropriate for a funeral liturgy. You can ask members of the family or friends to read the one or two readings that you select. We also appreciate that this is a difficult time for many. No one should feel obliged to proclaim a reading at a funeral. If no one is available to read, we will provide someone to do so.
Sacred Scripture is a very important element of the Mass because it is one of the sources of our Faith. During the funeral, its proclamation helps us to understand and come to a further belief in the covenant that God establishes with us at Baptism and the redemptive work of His Son at work in the life of the deceased. As such, it is not possible to substitute other forms of literature or writing in place of it. Generally, you may select one Old Testament reading and one New Testament reading. At Saint Patrick’s, the Cantor will sing the Psalm and the priest (or deacon) will proclaim the Gospel.
What about the suggestions for music?
Music is integral to the Funeral Mass. It allows family, friends, and the whole community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may not convey. It has the power to console and uplift those who mourn and strengthen the unity of all gathered in faith and love.
Please note that the use of secular music (i.e., Broadway show tunes, pop music, Danny Boy, etc.) is not allowed neither is any kind of taped music (CD or any other recording). While this kind of music may hold important sentimental value for some, it does not help us remain focused on the mystery of faith we are celebrating. The importance of music during a Funeral Mass requires that we ensure its prayerfulness. Our Director of Music/Organist and a cantor (leader of song) are exclusively responsible for providing all funeral music and will be present at the Funeral Mass. Trained and qualified in liturgical music, they will bring dignity and solemnity to our prayer.
Your input and suggestions are certainly welcome, always remembering that selecting the hymns to be sung reflects not only the grief of the family, but the whole truth about the life and death of a Christian, for God’s love for them and the promise of eternal life. This is why the Church insists that only liturgical music is used and that the primary focus should be on the assembly’s song.
Generally, families are asked to select the opening (processional) hymn; a hymn at the Offertory (while the priest prepares the bread and wine which will become the Body and Blood of Christ; a hymn during the reception of Communion; and a final hymn as we leave the church (Recessional). A meditation hymn after Communion is completed is also an option.
Are Words of Remembrance allowed?
This is certainly possible, but no one should feel obliged to do so since the priest will offer a homily during the Mass. Words of Remembrance are better suited for the wake at the funeral home or at a family gathering after the funeral. If we agree that there will be Words of Remembrance, here are some important guidelines:
They will be given by only one person;
They will be 3 to 5 minutes in length;
They will be provided to the presiding priest of the funeral Mass well in advance of the funeral;
The presiding priest has the right to make editorial suggestions;
They will be given at the beginning of the Mass – prior to the Opening Prayer.
Can we bring flowers to the church?
Certainly. Please let the Funeral Director know which floral pieces you want used. If you wish to leave them after the funeral, you are invited to do so.
Do we have to have a Mass?
Not necessarily, but it is a privilege, or better said by one of our former Archbishops: a great gift we offer to the person who has died. There are provisions for a Funeral Liturgy without the celebration of the Eucharist. Particular circumstances may lead your family to choose this option. It is best to discuss this issue with one of our priests.
Can you have a Funeral Mass for someone who has been cremated?
Yes. The Church allows for the celebration of a Funeral Mass after cremation has occurred. However, it is desirable for the cremation to occur after the Funeral Mass or Service. If cremation is chosen before the Mass, the cremated remains can be present in the Church and are honored with similar respect and dignity offered to a deceased body.
Does the parish charge a fee for funerals?
Yes. In order to provide the services necessary for the funeral, the parish will request a fee of $700. Provisions can be made if this is unaffordable.
What are the symbols surrounding a Catholic funeral?
The paschal (or Easter) candle is placed at the head of the casket or near the cremated remains. Its presence reminds us of our baptism when we or our parents and godparents (if we were baptized as infants) were given a candle lit from the paschal candle with these words: Receive the light of Christ. This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light. May he (she) keep the flame of faith alive in his (her) heart. When the Lord comes, may he (she) go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.
A funeral pall, reminding us of the garment given at baptism and therefore symbolizing our life in Christ, is draped over the coffin at the beginning of the funeral liturgy. The use of this pall also signifies that all are equal in the eyes of God (c.f. Jas 2:1-9).
White is worn on occasions of joy in the Church’s liturgical year. White transmits a more hopeful character at funerals. It recalls the hope of eternal life and celebrates the Christian Baptism that the deceased received during his/her life. White is also connected to Jesus’ victory at Easter, when he defeated death and opened the gates of heavenly glory. Purple (Violet) can also be worn particuarly, but not exclusively during Advent and Lent.
The casket or cremated remains will be sprinkled with holy water as a reminder of the waters of baptism when the deceased was welcomed into the community of faith.
Incense will also be used near the end of Mass, in what is known as the Prayers of Commendation. The smoke of burning incense is seen by the Church as an image of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. That symbolism is seen in Psalm 141:2: “Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering.” At a funeral Mass, as well as symbolizing the prayers of the congregation directed toward heaven, incensing the casket/urn honors the body of the deceased, which through baptism became a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
Can we have a reception after the Mass?
Receptions can be held in the lower level of the Basilica (based on availability). There is an additional fee for the use of the lower level. As well, any food and drink must be arranged with a caterer who will deliver what is needed and serve the reception.
The Christian faithful are unequivocally confronted by the mystery of life and death when they are faced with the presence of the body of one who has died. Moreover, the body which lies in death naturally recalls the personal story of faith, the loving family bonds, the friendships, and the words and acts of kindness of the deceased person. Indeed, the human body is inextricably associated with the human person, which acts and is experienced by others through that body. It is the body whose hands clothed the poor and embraced the sorrowing. The body of a deceased Catholic Christian is also the body once washed in baptism, anointed with the oil of salvation, and fed with the Bread of Life. Thus, the Church’s reverence for the sacredness of the human body grows out of a reverence and concern both natural and supernatural for the human person. The body of the deceased brings forcefully to mind the Church’s conviction that the human body is in Christ a temple of the Holy Spirit and is destined for future glory at the resurrection of the dead. This conviction in faith finds its expression in a sustained and insistent prayer that commends the deceased person to God’s merciful care so that his or her place in the communion of the just may be assured. A further expression is the care traditionally taken to prepare the bodies of the deceased for a burial that befits their dignity, in expectation of their final resurrection in the Lord.