Planning a Funeral

 

 “What we have once enjoyed , we can never lose. 
All that we love deeply, becomes a part of us.”
~ Helen Keller
 

As Christians, we believe that death is not an end, but a new beginning to a life closer to God.  Funerals can be a wonderful tribute to those we have lost.  They are also an opportunity for family and friends to express their grief as well as to give thanks for a life which has now completed its journey in this world.  We will assist you in planning a fitting tribute for your loved one that honors their life and provides those who remain the closure they need to continue on.

SCHEDULING THE FUNERAL
Please contact Our Lady of Guadalupe Church  as soon as possible to begin making funeral arrangements.  We will work with you and the Funeral Home to decide on the day & time of the funeral and burial.  Please, do not schedule the date until it is confirmed by the parish. 

As Catholics, we have a variety of ways  to celebrate the life of a loved one:

THE VIGIL (optional)
A Vigil Service is normally held at the church or Funeral Home the night   before the funeral.  It is a time for honoring the deceased by sharing    memories and expressing our sense of loss with those who remain.  The Vigil consists of reading Scripture, inviting shared memories, and is also an appropriate time for a eulogy or to pray the Rosary.  

THE FUNERAL LITURGY
The Funeral Liturgy is a celebration of your loved one’s entry into eternal life with God.  The emphasis is on our faith and is appropriately Catholic in the fullest sense.  We will assist you in planning the funeral.  In celebrating a Catholic Funeral there are four options to consider:

1.  The Funeral Mass, held at the church with the deceased’s body or   ashes present, includes prayers for the deceased and their loved ones, Scripture readings, and the Eucharistic celebration.
2.  The Memorial Mass, held at the church and similar to the funeral mass but without the presence of the deceased’s body or ashes.
3.  Funeral Service without the Mass, held at the church with or without the presence of the deceased’s body or ashes, includes prayers for the deceased and their loved ones, Scripture readings, and other special rites.  A deacon or lay presider is often the officiate.
4.  The Funeral Home Service, held at the Funeral Home, includes    prayers for the deceased and their loved ones, Scripture readings, and other special rites.  A deacon or lay presider is often the officiate.

 

NOTE:  If possible, it is preferred to have the deceased’s body or  ashes present.

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