Funeral GUidelines

The Funeral Home

Having a funeral home involved in the preparations and planning for a funeral as well as being present for the services is invaluable. We strongly encourage every family to make contact with a funeral home in preparation for a funeral.

Time of the Funeral

St. Joseph Catholic Church will make every effort to set a funeral time that is convenient for the family. The preferred time for a funeral Mass is in the morning. However, funerals can be scheduled at other times of the day if a priest and music ministers is available. We would suggest that one member of the family serve as the primary contact person for the funeral home and for the parish.

Funeral Planning

A priest/deacon would like to meet with members of the family to prepare a funeral.

The Visitation and Vigil

Visitations are normally scheduled the evening prior to the funeral Mass and take place at a funeral home. This allows more people to attend and pay their respects for the deceased as well as give the family an opportunity to rest before celebrating the funeral Mass. Visitations are allowed in Church and usually are scheduled an hour before the funeral Mass. Flowers, photographs, and the like are certainly allowed; however nothing is permitted to obscure the altar.

Music

The music at a funeral Mass is an important part of the celebration of the liturgy. Our music ministers will do their best to accommodate the wishes of the family with the hymns chosen for the Mass. Please note that recorded music and secular music cannot be used at the Mass.

Eulogies

Preparing a eulogy is not a requirement of the funeral celebration. If your family would like to say a few words about the deceased, the most appropriate place for this to happen is at the funeral home. If a eulogy is given at the funeral Mass, it should be no more than three minutes. We would also ask that it be typed and that it focus on the faith and virtue of the deceased.

The Reception

Many families gather with friends to honor their loved ones. Some families go to a local restaurant after the services. Others, however, take advantage of the facilities here at St. Joseph Church where church volunteers assist in preparation and serving. Food stuffs can be catered in from a number of local businesses.