Catholic Funerals
In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his life, death, and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity.
Times for Funeral Masses
At St. Michael, most funerals begin at 10:00 or 10:30 am, with a Visitation the hour before, but later times are also possible. If you hope to have an afternoon funeral, the parish may be able to accommodate, but we may or may not be able to offer a full funeral reception.
Fees
There are no fees for funerals at St. Michael. If desired, families have the option of making a contribution to the church, as well as a separate contribution to the presider, which would go directly to him.
Orders of Worship
The parish office will prepare a program booklet, for the Funeral Mass or Memorial Service. To prepare the booklet, it is important the Pastoral Services Office receives any relevant information (readings, songs, etc.) as soon as possible.
Photos: If you would like a photo of your loved one on the front cover of the Order of Worship booklet, please email the photo to Taylor Horvath, at [email protected].
With the family's permission: A photo will also go on the screens in the Commons/Lake House, with the funeral details. The photo will be included in the parish Flocknote, with the funeral info, and is spoken at the Masses, if enough time allows, before the funeral takes place.
Lectors: We ask families to choose two people, one family member and/ or friend, to read each of the first and second readings at the Mass or Memorial Service. The readings will be printed in large print and placed on the ambo where the lectors will read. No preparation is necessary, as this process is gone over in-person, during the Visitation or a little bit before the funeral.
Musicians: A pianist and cantor will be provided by St. Michael, to play and sing the music at the funeral. Music typically includes the Gathering Song, Placing of the Pall, Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, Offertory Song (Mass only), Communion Song (Mass only), Song of Farewell, and Closing Song.
Funeral Receptions
St. Michael typically offers a Funeral Reception for families and friends, following a funeral at St. Michael. Each reception:
is a personalized celebration of the life of the person who has died
has a strong pastoral dimension
is a natural extension of the funeral service
has decor that conveys a sense of resurrection
features meals that are often homemade
Burial/Inurnment If you are considering an inurnment for your loved one, St. Michael Columbarium is an option for a final resting place. To learn more, visit the Columbarium page here. If you hope to bring your loved one to rest in a cemetery, a priest or deacon will accompany you to the cemetery, after the Funeral Mass or Memorial Service, for a graveside service.