We extend our deepest sympathies to those suffering a loss. The first step in planning a funeral should be to contact the parish office after contacting a  funeral home. The cathedral staff will coordinate with the family to plan the date and time of the funeral and to set up a meeting with the family and to discuss details of the Funeral Liturgy

The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, and the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains on the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.

Ideally, if a family chooses cremation, the cremation would take place at some time after the Funeral Mass, so that there can be an opportunity for the Vigil for the Deceased in the presence of the body (during “visitation” or “viewing” at a church or funeral home). This allows for the appropriate reverence for the sacredness of the body at the Funeral Mass: sprinkling with holy water, the placing of the pall, and honoring it with incense.  The Rite of Committal then takes place after cremation.

When cremation takes place before the Funeral Mass, rites are adapted and the burial and committal at the cemetary should take place directly afterwards.
 

• We believe that life begins at conception and are honored when a family allows us to offer a funeral service for a child who died in the womb or through a miscarriage.  Pleae contact our office to arrange for this.

• In times of death and grief the Christian turns to the Lord for consolation and strength. This is especially true when a child dies before birth. This blessing is provided to assist the parents in their grief and console them with the blessing of God. From the Book of Blessings

Introductory Rites

• Greeting
• Sprinkling with Holy Water
• Placing of the Pall with pall bearers•
• Entrance/Gathering Song: ______________# ____
• Opening Prayer
• Christian Symbol   ____________  placed by ______________

Liturgy of the Word

• First Reading _________________________   read by ___________
• Responsorial Psalm ______________# ____
• Second Reading _________________________ read by ___________
• Gospel Acclamation 
• Gospel    ____________
• Homily
• Prayer of the Faithful____________ read by ___________

Liturgy of the Eucharist

• Offertory Song ______________# ____
• Eucharistic Prayer
• Lord’s Prayer
• Holy Communion Song ______________# ____
• Prayer after Communion

Final Commendation

• Eulogy______________ (3-5 minutes in length) by ___________
• Invitation to Prayer
• Silence
• Song of Farewell     # _____
• Prayer of Commendation
• Sending Forth: ______________# ____

Opening Songs

• Amazing Grace
• How Great Thou Art
• Be Not Afraid
• I Know That My Redeemer Lives (DUKE STREET)
• On Eagle’s Wings
• The Summons
• Here I Am, Lord
• How Great Thou Art

Offertory (Presentation of the Gifts)

• Amazing Grace
• The Lord Is My Light
• Here I Am, Lord
• Prayer of St. Francis 
• I Have Loved You
• You Are Mine
• God, You Search Me
• As the Deer Longs (Hurd)
• You Are NearAs the Deer Longs (O WALY WALY)
• I Know That My RedeemerLives (DUKE STREET)
• I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Soper)
• O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God
• Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

Communion

• Blest Are They (5 vs. about the Beatitudes)
• I Am the Bread of Life
• On Eagle’s Wings
• Be Not Afraid
• PreciousLord, Take My Hand
• Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
• The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
• Shepherd Me, O God
• Come Follow Me
• Ave Maria for meditation after communion

Song of Farewell

• Song of Farewell (Final Commendation hymn –tune is OLD HUNDREDTH)
• Song of Farewell (Sands)
• O Loving God (Commendation Hymn to the Londonderry tune-O Danny Boy)

Closing

• Amazing Grace
• Be Not Afraid
• How Great Thou Art
• Lead Me, Lord
• On Eagle’s Wings