Funeral Frequently asked questions
What do I do when a loved one dies?
Whether your loved one dies at home, at the hospital, or at hospice or a nursing home, the first call to arrange the funeral should be to the funeral home of your choice.
The funeral director will transfer the body to the funeral home in preparation for the funeral itself. Then he or she will meet with you to make final arrangements.
The funeral director will notify the parish office. The parish will assist you in planning the Funeral or Memorial Mass, and guide you in selection of the readings and music.
Cremation or Traditional Burial?
The Catholic Church prefers that the body itself be buried. This is more in keeping with honoring the dignity of the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and follows the example of Jesus’ burial.
However, cremation is permitted. Cremated remains should be treated with the same dignity and respect as the body. It is preferred that the cremation take place after the funeral Mass. Cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The cremated remains should not be kept at home.
Can Ashes be Scattered?
The Catholic Church does not permit the scattering of ashes. Cremated remains or the body of the deceased is to be buried at the cemetery.
May I choose scripture readings and songs?
Yes, the Church has selections availble in the Rite of Christain Burial for you to choose from. We will assist you in preparing the Funeral Mass for your loved one.
The readings are availble below.
We will aslo assit you in planning the music for the liturgy of your loved one.
May family members participate in the funeral?
We welcome the participation of practicing Catholics at appropriate points in the funeral rites. Family members can read a reading, bring up the gifts, etc.
Other Questions?
Please contact the parish office: 320-468-6033
Funeral Planning
"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
If you have recently lost a loved one, please accept our deepest condolences.
For assistance in scheduling and planning a funeral for your loved one please contact the parish office :
320-468-6033
Email: stjoes@midco.net
First Reading from the Old Testament (Choose One Reading)
Second Reading from the New Testament (Choose One Reading)
Eulogy (Words of Remebrance)
Eulogies or tributes to the deceased have been inserted into the Funeral Mass, but current liturgical guidelines strongly discourage doing this. Section 382 of the Revised Roman Missal states: “At Funeral Masses there should usually be a short homily, but to the exclusion of a funeral eulogy of any kind.”
A Eulogy or Words of Remembrance may be offered during the wake at the funeral home, at the graveside or during the gathering that follows the burial.
Remaks should offer a loving glimpse of the deceased person’s life, and their Christian faith
As part of the remarks offered, it may be appropriate to:
- Thank people for their prayers, their support, and their presence
- Share how your loved one lived their Christian life
- Relate something endearing that was unique to them
- Conclude by entrusting them into God’s care.
When writing a eulogy or words of remembrance, the following questions may be helpful:
- What made your loved one truly happy?
- What were your loved one’s outstanding qualities?
- What will you remember most about this person?
- How did they live their faith?