Funeral Policy: The parish policy for registered parishioners and non-registered Catholics are as follows. Usually, on the evening prior to the burial, a Vigil or Rosary is held at the funeral home. The Vigil is the preferred service for the Catholic Church. It is also the proper forum for relatives and friends to eulogize the dead. Photo displays are also appropriate at this service.
The Funeral Mass requires Lectors and Ministers of Holy Communion. Family and friends are invited to participate in these ministries if they are practicing Catholics and properly disposed. Servers are not usually required or provided by the parish because of school and other activities. If the family is unable to provide the above ministers, the pastor should be notified as soon as this determination is made. The pastor will approve the appropriate music for the service as well as approve all scripture readings. After Communion, a relative or friend (one) will be invited to express the congregation's farewell to the deceased. This is not to be a eulogy.
Also, because of the large number of non-Catholics in attendance, the pastor will invite only practicing Catholics who are properly disposed to come forward to receive communion. Non-Practicing Catholics and practicing Catholics not properly disposed as well as Non-Catholics will be invited to remain in the pews until after communion when they will receive a special blessing. Families who wish other priests to celebrate or con-celebrate the funeral mass should first receive the pastor's permission.
The burial service usually follows the mass and again is a proper forum for friends and relatives to say their final farewells. After the burial, if requested, the Altar Society will Provide a hot luncheon. Families should provide an estimate of the number of people who they believe will attend the luncheon.
Costs for registered families are as follows. For the use of the church and services of the celebrant $0.00. For non-registered families $150.00. Donations for the luncheon for registered families are usually at cost. The average cost per 100 people is $235.00. Non-registered parishioners are expected to donate $3.50 per person served. $50.00 donation for the priest or deacon who performs the service is appropriate. There are no charges for the Vigil or the Rosary by the parish.