Funerals
-
"At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the
waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table,
the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of
its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the
bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing
and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting
Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist."
~ Order of Christian Funerals, No. 4
☩St. John Neumann Parish Funeral Policies * Funeral Masses are celebrated at 10:30 a.m. (no later or earlier)
and may be scheduled for any day of the week
except for Tuesdays and Sundays
* Without exception, visitations, viewings and eulogies are to take place at the funeral parlor only, and are not permitted in the church building
☩
Timeline of Events & Funeral Mass at St. John Neumann
The process typically begins when we are contacted by
the funeral home that is caring for your deceased loved one.
The funeral directors commonly correspond with our parish office
staff on behalf of the family, which helps with processing
of information and avoids any confusion of details.
Once the funeral directors have met with the family and agreed on a
date for the Mass (always corresponding with the pastor's availability)
all related information is submitted to our parish office and to our
Bereavement Committee for processing and planning purposes.
In the days leading up to the funeral Mass, Father Dunn
and the Bereavement Committee will call the designated
family contact to offer comfort and support, coordinate
readings and music for the Mass, and to learn more about
your loved one so that we can provide a fitting experience to
honor and celebrate the person they were and the life they lived.
On the day of the funeral, your time with us at St. John Neumann Church
typically begins no earlier than 10:00 a.m., at which time the family arrives with the funeral directors. Our Bereavement ministers will
greet you, offer direction and answer any questions you may have.
At the start of the Mass at 10:30 a.m., the casket or cremains are processed from the foyer to the back of the church, where Father Dunn will bless them before leading the procession to the front of the church.
At this time, the family is seated and Mass is celebrated as usual.
Mass will typically conclude around 11:30 a.m., at which time the casket or cremains are processed out and -- if applicable -- the family,
funeral directors, and clergy proceed to the burial site.