FUNERALS
We would be honored to help you celebrate the life of your loved one and prepare a funeral liturgy at Old St. Mary’s.
CELEBRATING A FUNERAL AT OSM
All of us at Old St. Mary’s are one with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family during this sacred time. The death of someone we love brings sadness, questions, memories, and gratitude. Please email Fr. Rich or Fr. Dan to schedule a funeral. We would be honored to walk with you.
WE ARE HERE TO WALK WITH YOU
Our pastoral staff will walk with you through the planning process, helping you select Scripture readings, music, and other elements of the funeral Mass. You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us. We will help guide you through each step.
The funeral Mass is first and foremost a moment of prayer. Together, we remember the life of the person who has died, give thanks for the ways God was present in their life, pray for those who mourn, and entrust our loved one to the mercy and love of God.
PLANNING THE FUNERAL LITURGY
Families are invited to participate in planning the funeral in several ways, including:
- Selecting Scripture readings for the Mass
- Choosing family members or friends to proclaim the readings and Prayers of the Faithful
- Sharing hymns that were meaningful to your loved one or family
- Choosing one person to offer a brief Remembrance of Life
- Discussing any particular circumstances or traditions that may be important to your family
We will provide you with Through Death to Life, a resource containing the Scripture readings and prayers used in Catholic funeral liturgies. A member of our pastoral staff can also help you make selections if you are unsure where to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU ALLOW FOR A EULOGY TO BE SHARED DURING THE FUNERAL LITURGY?
At the beginning of the funeral liturgy, after the opening prayer, one person may offer a brief Remembrance of Life. This reflection gives the community a glimpse into the unique life, relationships, and gifts of the person we have gathered to remember.
We ask that the reflection be approximately 5–7 minutes. Additional stories and remembrances are especially appropriate at the wake, vigil, or reception.
HOW DO WE COORDINATE MUSIC?
Music is an important part of the Catholic funeral liturgy, giving voice to both our grief and our hope.
Our parish music ministry will help arrange the music for the funeral Mass. Families are welcome to suggest hymns that were especially meaningful to their loved one, and we will work with you to incorporate them when appropriate for the liturgy
IS THERE A FEE INVOLVED FOR CELEBRATING A FUNERAL AT OLD ST. MARY’s?
We request a voluntary offering of $600 to cover use of the church, and as a stipend for our music ministers.
CAN WE HAVE A VIEWING OF OUR LOVED ONE BEFORE THE FUNERAL MASS?
Please coordinate with the priest who is helping with preparations for the funeral liturgy. In many cases, we are able to host a viewing before the funeral Mass.