In the celebration of Christian burial, the Church proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that had bound humanity. We at St. Joseph Church are committed to embracing those who are grieving the death of loved one and to help facilitate the celebration of this life who has gone to the Lord.
Requesting a Funeral at St. Joseph Church
First Steps
We ask that someone from the family inform us that someone has passed as soon as possible. Please call the parish office.
The family should also contact the funeral home of your choice to make arrangements for the preparation of the deceased. Please invite a family member or a close friend to accompany you during this time of grief. We ask that the the church be contacted while you are making arrangements at the funeral home. This way the funeral director can speak with St. Joseph Church about arrangements for the funeral Mass. Dates, times, visitation preferences and other scheduling items can be discussed at this time. Typically, funeral Masses at St. Joseph Church are celebrated on late-morning/early afternoon on Saturdays, or after 5 pm on weekdays depending on the events already scheduled at the church. Should you wish to include visitation at the church, it is normally scheduled for one hour prior to the funeral Mass.
Please contact the parish office to finalize the arrangements and to set a time to speak with a member of our Bereavement Committee. Our bereavement minister is there to learn more about the life of your loved one, such as spouse and children, parents and siblings’ information, relevant dates, and also to help you make selections for the Mass.
The Visitation
The Visitation is a gathering of family and friends to say final farewell to the deceased and to give support, comfort and love to the family. The family of the deceased may choose to have the visitation at the funeral home prior to the Mass of Christian Burial or at St. Joseph Church in St. Ann’s Chapel. The body of the deceased is usually present for the visitation. However, in the case of cremation, alternative arrangements can be made, such as placement of an urn and photo of the deceased in the chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial
The Mass of Christian Burial is the celebration of the Christian funeral that brings hope and consolation to the living. It proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ and recalls His resurrection. It also recalls God’s mercy and meets the human need for us to turn always to God in times of crises and despair. There are times when a Mass can be celebrated even though the person was not a Catholic. The church has also been authorized to celebrate a funeral Mass in cases of cremation.
The pastor of St. Joseph Church usually presides and preaches. Upon the request of the family, another Catholic priest may also preside or give the homily.
Upon You will be asked to choose an Old Testament and a New Testament reading for the funeral Mass. To make your selections, please click on the readings below:
The Pastor will choose the Gospel Reading. The Minister of Music will select the Responsorial Psalm.
Music
Hymns will be selected with the assistance of the Music Minister. As with all liturgical celebrations, the primary purpose of the music is to support the communal prayer so that all present may enter fully into the celebration. The music is chosen according to the parts of the Mass, but with sensitivity for the community to gather in song. The rite of Christian Burial celebrates the new life of the deceased and reflects our thanksgiving and joy as we gather to honor the deceased. Our policy is not to use recorded music during the Mass of Christian Burial.
The Rite of Committal
The Committal ceremony is ordinarily performed at the cemetery’s grave site. The church recognizes the ceremony may also occur in a chapel or mausoleum. As a faith community, we gather at the final resting place. The committal ceremony is a prayer that enables us to commit or send with our blessing the one we love.
The Pastor or Deacon will usually accompany the family to the cemetery for the Rite of Committal. If cremation takes place after the funeral, arrangements should be made as soon as possible for the ashes to be interred, and for the Rite of Committal to be celebrated with the family at that time.
The Repast
If you wish to do so and for an additional cost, the Members of the Bereavement/Hospitality team can prepare a repast/luncheon in Father Rivers Hall after the service, which will serve approximately 50 guests. The menu provides 100 pieces of chicken, green beans, potato salad or similar, dinner rolls, one cake, and punch/beverage). If you expect more than 50 guests for the repast, the family should compensate with additional food and drink.
Please note: When school is in session, Father Rivers Hall will not be available for use.