First and foremost, please know that you have our deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. We at St. Paul the Apostle Church want you to know that we are here for you in the planning stages and afterward. In each of the Church's liturgies, Christ's Paschal Mystery is made present by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, men and women are initiated into this Mystery and become members of Christ’s Mystical Body. In a Christian's life, the Paschal Mystery's presence is ever renewed and sustained through the celebration of the Church’s liturgies.
After meeting with the funeral home, a meeting will be scheduled for the family to meet with Jeff Adair, Pastoral Associate, and the priest or deacon celebrating the funeral liturgy. Below are some resources to help you prepare for this meeting.
At the death of a Christian, the Church gathers to offer praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of the life now returned to Him. The Church also intercedes on behalf of the deceased in the belief that death is not the end of human existence, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. Recognizing the power of Paschal Mystery, the Church asks that the deceased and all the faithful will have their sins forgiven and be raised in Christ. The following guidelines provide a summary of the ecclesial documentation concerning the Church’s funeral liturgies at St. Paul the Apostle Church.
Depending on pastoral circumstances, there may be one or two readings before the reading of the Gospel. Family members should visit the links to choose the First Reading, Second Reading, and Gospel prior to the meeting with the priest. Family members or friends of the deceased may be invited to proclaim these readings. Readers should ordinarily have prior experience as lectors and be able to proclaim the Word of God with clarity and dignity. In this way, their ministry can serve as an effective aid in bringing the wisdom and hope of God’s Word to those who mourn. If there are no qualified lectors among family or friends, the readings may be proclaimed by a parish.
Attached here is the list of music that is commonly used at funeral Masses. Jane Collinsworth, the Funeral Music Coordinator, will contact the family to choose music for different parts of the Mass.
Please use this funeral planning worksheet to either complete before scheduling a meeting with the parish, or to complete in order to make your wishes known to your family.