1. Complete the Funeral Arrangement Form
Funeral Arrangement Form
2. Call our Office to set up a meeting
512-328-3220 ext. 107
Can we pre-arrange our funeral Mass?
Yes, feel free to contact us at our email [email protected]
Who can receive the Rite of Christian Burial?
All Catholics can receive the Rite of Christian Burial, if person was of a different denomination then the church will have different guidelines.
My deceased family member was not an actively practicing Catholic, can we still have a Mass of Christian burial?
Yes, their funeral would take place at their geographical* parish or the parish of their next of kin.
*Based off parish bounderies
Is cremation allowed in the Catholic Church?
Yes, however for the funeral liturgy it is prefered that the body be present.
For more detail visit USCCB's page on cremation
Can the funeral Mass be celebrated in the funeral home?
Yes, please inquire wth the funeral home about their guidelines.
Should we have a rosary the night before?
Though this is a beautiful tradition in various cultures and is encouraged, it is not a requirement.
How is a funeral Mass different?
The funeral Mass starts with the family gathered around the casket at the entrance of the church near the baptistery. There we bless the casket with holy water calling to mind the fact that the deceased died with Christ in baptism and is now on the journey back to God. The casket is then covered with a pall which is a large cloth that is a reminder of how we received a white garment at baptism symbolizing our baptismal purity and the fact that we are claimed for Christ. Family members are invited to take part in placing the pall. The liturgy is identical to a typical weekend Mass except that at the end a rite of commendation precedes taking the casket from the church to the place of interment. If the Mass is celebrated with cremated remains, the ceremony at the entrance in omitted and the commendation is shortened. This follows the format of a memorial Mass and can be celebrated at any time. (St. Theresa's Catholic Church's explanation)
Can we have a eulogy at the Mass of Christian Burial?
It is reccomended that this take place at the Vigil service the evening before at the funeral home.
How much does the funeral Mass cost?
At St. John Neumann there is no fee for a funeral mass, however there is a musician stipend. It is also customary to give a free will donation to the church and/or the celebrant.
Can we have a reception after the funeral?
Yes, depending the availability of our church hall.