Funeral Planning
-
-
ime of loss, we assist families in arranging Vigil Prayer Services, Recitation of the Rosary, Funeral and Memorial Masses, Burial/Interment of Cremains, Rite of Committal, and Receptions. Our strong working relationship with area Funeral Homes is of great assistance to our families as they journey through these most difficult hours and days of mourning.
Christian Funeral Rites
“Blessed are they who mourn; they shall be consoled”
Matthew 5:3
Christians celebrate funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just. The Catholic Church, through its three main funeral rites, commends the dead to God’s merciful love. It also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them with the comforting word of God, and the sacrament of the Eucharist. Many symbols of our faith are present during the funeral rites.
W Easter (Paschal) Candle—reminds us of the Resurrection of Christ
and His undying presence among us
W Holy Water—reminds us of the saving waters of Baptism
W Pall—reminds us of our Baptismal garment
and is a sign of the Christian dignity of the person
W Incense—is a sign of honor to the body of our loved one,
and is a symbol of our prayers rising to the Heavenly kingdom
The Vigil—The Funeral Mass—The Rite of CommittalThe Vigil is the principal celebration of the Christian community during the time before the funeral liturgy. At the vigil, we keep watch with the family in prayer. We listen to the Word of God, the source of faith and hope, as light and life in the face of darkness and death. We call upon the Father of Mercy to receive our loved one into the kingdom of light and peace. Optionally, the Recitation of the Rosary may replace the formal Vigil Service. The Vigil may be held at the Funeral Home or at the Church.
“You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend; comfort us in our sorrow.”
From the Order of Christian Funerals“As our loved one has died with the Lord, so may they live with him in glory.”From the Order of Christian FuneralsThe Funeral Mass is the central celebration of the Christian community for the one who has died. Our loved one is received at the doors of the church, just as they were welcomed at the time of their Baptism. Though separated from the living, the dead are still one with the community of believers on earth and benefit from our prayers and intercession. The Funeral (or Memorial) Mass is held at the Church. Alternately, a Funeral Service without Communion may be held at the Funeral Home.“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. May they rest in peace.”The Rite of Committal, the conclusion of the funeral rites, is the final act of the community in caring for the body of our loved one. It is normally celebrated at the site of burial or committal. With the farewell prayers of the community, our loved one passes into the welcoming company of those who no longer need faith, but see God face to face. The Rite of Committal is held at the gravesite or a columbarium. St. Jude’s Columbarium is designed to keep our parish family members and loved ones close to our faith community. For more information, visit our columbarium.
From the Order of Christian Funerals
Making Funeral Arrangements at St. Jude
When faced with the loss of a loved one, please call the Parish Office as soon as possible. Our clergy is always available to attend to and pray with the dying and family members. In addition, the St. Jude Funeral Ministry Coordinator will assist you in the scheduling and preparation of the Funeral Rites.
Parish Office: 972-727-1177 (answering service takes calls after business hours)
Helpful InformationSCHEDULING:
Joyfully, St. Jude Parish is a very active busy community. When a death occurs, we try our very best to accommodate a family’s planning request within the Parish schedule. Once again, the Funeral Ministry Coordinator will answer any questions and help establish the time and day of Funeral and Memorial services for your loved one.
LIVESTREAMING:
Using St. Jude audio/video equipment, technicians will livestream the service to a semi-private St. Jude Facebook Live page. Equipment is tied into the parish sound system. The link to FB will be provided to a family member who may forward to anyone wanting to virtually attend the service. Please note that LIVESTREAM during the week is dependent upon the availability of our Livestream Technicians. LIVESTREAM is not available on Saturdays.
MUSIC MINISTRY:
Music for all Liturgies at St. Jude is provided by St. Jude musicians, assigned by the Director of Music Ministry.
FUNERAL RECEPTIONS:
The Bereavement Group of The Women of St. Jude is honored to prepare and serve at Receptions following Funeral Celebrations of our loved ones here at St. Jude Parish. This Ministry offers Funeral Receptions at no charge; however, donations are gratefully accepted. So that the volunteers’ time is utilized efficiently, the reception space is reserved for 3 hours: 1 hour for set-up, 1 hour for Reception, and 1 hour for clean-up.
COST:
At St. Jude, the Musician and the Livestreaming (if using) fees are the only fixed expenses for Funeral/Memorial Services. Although it is customary, there is never an obligation to give an honorarium (donation) to the priests, deacons or Parish. It is at the discretion of each family we serve if you choose to make a monetary donation. Some funeral homes may include these fees / honoraria in their contracts.- MUSICIAN FEES:
- Pianist/Organist—$150.00
- Cantor—$150.00
- LIVESTREAM FEES: (if using St. Jude Team)
- $250.00
FUNERAL PLANNING BOOKLETS and FORMS:
Looking to pre-plan a Funeral or Memorial Mass? Here is the St. Jude Funeral Planning Booklet in PDF format. It includes all available Scripture and Music. A blank Planning Form for Family names and Planning Information is also available below.
St. Jude Funeral Planning Booklet
St. Jude Funeral Planning Information Sheets
St. Jude Funeral Planning Initial Family Reminder List
- MUSICIAN FEES:
-