“Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended,and when this earthy dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven.”
(Order of Christian Funerals)
Funeral Guidelines for St. Edward the Confessor Parish
We, the St. Edward the Confessor parish community, wish to minister to the family and loved ones of the one who has died, as well as to pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased. It is our hope that these Funeral Guidelines will assist anyone who is preparing for a Catholic funeral at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.
Upon the death of a loved one, a family member should contact the parish office as soon as possible; such timely notification facilitates the necessary planning of the funeral rites. Funeral Masses/Services can be celebrated on any day of the week except: Solemnities (Holy Days of Obligation, including Sundays), Holy Thursday, and during the Easter Tritium. The day, time, and type of service must be arranged with the parish office and is determined based on the availability of the priest and the church. Once the Church and a priest is scheduled, the planning will begin.
As Catholics, we celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving for the gift of life, which has now returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just. The Church identifies three principal rites: the Vigil, the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal. The family has the flexibility to choose the rite and/or rites they prefer.
Funeral Rites
The Vigil (Wake) Service
The Vigil usually takes place on the eve of the Funeral Mass and may be celebrated at the family’s home, mortuary chapel, or the parish church. This service generally includes Scripture readings, prayers, and in some circumstances, a viewing. The Rosary, or a portion, may be recited to focus on the Paschal Mystery which leads to a greater sense of hope. A family member, deacon, or priest may lead this rite. The Vigil service provides the appropriate and preferred setting for family and friends to offer eulogies, favorite songs, and other remembrances and family traditions that a funeral Mass is unable to accommodate. The body or urn is not required for a Vigil Service.
The Funeral (Mass) Liturgy
The Funeral Mass is the central liturgical celebration and takes place in the parish church with a priest as the main celebrant. The funeral liturgy includes the reception of the body, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Final Commendation and Farewell. As an expression of faith in Jesus Christ, the family may actively participate in the Funeral Mass. Family members may cover the casket with the pall, read Scripture, and present the gifts at the offertory. This rite can be celebrated in the presence of the body, urn, or as a Memorial Mass without the body. A simple Scripture Service (outside of a Mass) can also be arranged.
The Rite of Committal (Interment)
This service consists of prayers and blessings. If a deacon or priest is not available, a family member or friend may lead the Rite of Committal at the graveside, mausoleum, or at sea. If the family wants a priest or deacon to preside at an interment outside of the Diocese of Orange, they will need to arrange for a priest or deacon themselves or through their mortuary.
Symbolic Elements
Paschal (Easter) Candle
The Paschal candle burns near the casket or urn during the Funeral Mass. The candle represents the light of the risen Christ, who has overcome darkness and death by His resurrection.
Holy Water
Holy water reminds us of the saving waters of baptism. At the reception of the body, the priest sprinkles the remains with holy water; its use calls to mind the deceased’s baptism and initiation into the community of faith. During the rite of Final Commendation, it may also signify farewell.
Incense
Blessing the casket or urn with incense during the funeral liturgy is a sign of honor to the deceased, which through baptism became the temple of the Holy Spirit. The rising of the incense smoke is a symbol of our prayers and a sign of farewell of our departed one rising to God.
Funeral Pall
The funeral pall (a large white cloth) reminds us our baptismal garment. It symbolizes our life in Christ and that we are equal in the eyes of God. At the reception of the body the pall drapes over the casket following the blessing with holy water. Family members are encouraged to take part in the placing of the pall, as well as placing a family crucifix, rosary, or a bible on the pall.
Ossuary/Table
The ossuary, which is a handcrafted chest, is the ideal receptacle for an urn and stands in a place of honor near the altar. Like the pragmatic usage of the pall, an ossuary avoids any distinction between urns and containers and assures that all are given their rightful dignity during the funeral liturgy. The family may place the urn in the ossuary, or they may choose to display the urn on a table that stands near the altar.
Some Practicalities
Cremation
The Church strongly prefers that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body present. The presence of the body most clearly brings to mind the life and death of the person and better expresses the values that the Church affirms in its rites. However, when this is not possible; all the usual rites, which are celebrated with the body present, may also be celebrated in the presence of the cremains (cremated remains). During the rites, the cremains, (sealed in one worthy vessel), are given the same dignity and respect as the body. It is Catholic practice that the final disposition of the cremains involves interment or entombment. The practice of scattering the ashes or keeping the cremains in the home is not a reverent disposition that the Church requires. Burial at sea differs from scattering the cremated remains. An appropriate and worthy container, heavy enough to be sent to its final resting place, may be dropped into the sea.
Planning Funeral Services
When possible and desired, family and friends may actively participate in planning the funeral rites. Our parish is blessed to have volunteers who serve as bereavement ministers. They assist the family in planning the funeral liturgy including choosing Scripture readings, readers, Intercessory Prayers, pallbearers, gift presenters, and appropriate music, to encourage and console those who mourn.
St. Edward the Confessor Parish (949) 496-1307 12/12/17
Music for Funeral Liturgies
Music is an important part of ritual. We encourage families to make full use of the Church’s rich tradition and our parish’s musical resources. The bereavement minister, together with the Director of Music Ministry, will assist the family in selecting the hymns, a cantor, an accompanist and other musicians from St. Edward the Confessor Parish.
Flowers
We welcome flowers as part of the funeral celebration. Floral arrangements can be displayed in the vestibule near the baptismal font; and one or two floral arrangements can be brought forward and placed besides the urn or next to your loved one’s photo.
If family or friends wish to give a donation to the Church in lieu of flowers, a contribution can be given in memory of their loved one to St. Edward the Confessor Christian Service (outreach to the poor) or to St. Edward the Confessor Parish School (for the tuition assistance program).
Eulogies/Words In Remembrance
The appropriate and preferred place for eulogies is the Vigil service, reception, or at the graveside. At the funeral, the family may have one speaker share a few words based upon the faith life of the deceased. The following guidelines must be observed:
· Spoken words should capture your loved one’s Christian journey as a disciple of Christ.
● Remembrance must be brief. (One typed page, no more than 2-3 minutes in duration).
● A copy of your remembrance should be submitted to the Priest and/or Bereavement Minister before the day of the funeral.
● Your Bereavement Minister will provide additional information at the family meeting.
St. Edward the Confessor Parish (949) 496-1307 12/12/17
Parish Receptions
Parishioners may request a reception following a morning funeral; subject to the availability of Knight Hall and a reception volunteer team. The fees are $125.00 for small receptions (under 60 people) and $250.00 for larger receptions (60-200 people). Ninety minutes is the customary time reserved for a funeral reception.
Priests or Deacons from Other Parishes
If the family would like to invite a priest or a deacon from another parish to preside at any of the funeral rites, they are most welcome.
Funeral Donations and Fees
There is no charge for a funeral at St. Edward the Confessor Church. However, it is customary to give a donation to the parish, and that suggested amount is $200.00. The fees for the liturgical musicians are $225.00 for the organist/pianist, $175.00 for the cantor/vocalist and $175.00 for each additional musician. There are no charges or suggested donations for the services of the priest, deacon, bereavement minister and altar servers. Please submit one check, (payable to St. Edward the Confessor), to the mortuary or to your bereavement minister for the services of the liturgical musicians and any other fees or donations prior to the funeral service.
Final Thoughts on Catholic Funerals
As members of the body of Christ, when one suffers, we all suffer. Therefore, we are called upon as a community to care for the dying, to console those who mourn, and to participate in the funeral rites. The celebration of a Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living. Prayerful preparation and planning of the funeral rites will help you and your loved ones deal successfully and gracefully with the ultimate rite of passage through death to eternal life.
St. Edward the Confessor Parish (949) 496-1307 12/12/17