Planning a Funeral at Saint Michael Poplar Springs
We offer the following to assist you with the planning of a funeral for your loved one. This order will be reviewed during your meeting with the pastor and/or Director of Liturgy and Music
“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.”
PLEASE NOTE: Incense is usually used – our pastor uses it during the Preparation of the gifts. It may be used by other priests during Preparation and again during the Final Commendation.
A WALK-THROUGH OF THE FUNERAL MASS
The following will review how the Funeral Mass unfolds and help as you make choices for the Mass.
Prior to Mass all family members and friends are in place within the church. The first pews in the middle section of the church are reserved for family members. The first pew is not used (no kneelers).
Introductory Rites
The priest celebrant enters the church followed by the deceased (funeral home attendants move the casket or a family member carries the urn). They proceed to the front of the church during the Gathering Hymn.
Gathering Hymn
As the funeral procession walks down the aisle led by the priest celebrant the Gathering hymn
begins.
Greeting
The priest celebrant greets all present and begins Mass with the Sign of the Cross.
Sprinkling with Holy Water
The priest celebrant sprinkles the casket or the urn with holy water, recalling baptism.
Placing of the Pall on the casket
The priest celebrant calls forth those chosen to place the Funeral Pall (white cloth) on the casket of the deceased. This may be done by funeral home attendants. This is representative of the white garment worn during the Rite of Baptism into the Church. The placing of a small pall on the urn containing the cremated remains is done when there are cremated remains present.
Invitation to Prayer
After everyone is seated the celebrant asks those present to pray.
Opening Prayer
The celebrant prays one of several choices of prayers.
Words of Remembrance (Eulogy)
If the family wishes to have one family member or friend share thoughts about the deceased, this is the time it will take place. Limit the Words of Remembrance to 7 – 8 minutes. Consider these questions when undertaking the planning of this presentation:
- What is the legacy of the deceased?
- What would the deceased say to this gathered group?
- Thank those gathered for their support and their presence.
Liturgy of the Word
Family members or friends are encouraged to participate in the Liturgy of the Word by proclaiming the readings that are chosen. When meeting with the priest and/or the Director of Liturgy and Music, the choosing of readings will be finalized and the assignment of readers done.
The priest will walk through the process with each reader 15 to 20 minutes before the funeral is to begin.
First Reading (Old Testament)
During the Easter season (Easter Sunday through Pentecost Sunday) there are a couple of New Testament readings that may be used as First Readings. They are designated in the listing of first reading s to choose from. These are only to be used during the Easter season. During the rest of the year these New Testament readings will not be included in the packet you receive.
Responsorial Psalm
The responsorial psalm is sung by the Music Minister, leading the people in sung prayer. You may choose the psalm from among those suggested by the Church. The musical setting will be chosen by the Director of Liturgy and Music
Second Reading (New Testament)
The New Testament are included in the packet you receive when contacting the parish or by
going to the Funeral section of the parish website.
Gospel Acclamation
This, too, is led by the Music Minister, leading the people in sung prayer. Outside of Lent, this is “alleluia.”
Gospel
The homilist chooses the Gospel to be read. The priest celebrant or deacon reads the Gospel from the selections in the Order of Christian Funerals.
Homily
The priest celebrant or deacon often refers to the thoughts that have been provided by family or
others that show how the loved one lived out the Christian way and values. He uses the Scripture as his guide for preparing the homily.
Universal Prayer (General Intercessions/ Prayers of the Faithful)
The priest celebrant opens the Intercessions with a short prayer. A member of the family or a
family friend reads the intercessions. The priest celebrant finishes with a short prayer.
The reader of the Universal Prayer is chosen at the meeting with the priest and/or Director of Liturgy and Music. If there are others (family members or friends) who have recently passed away, they can be mentioned (For our loved ones who have died, especially ___________) if the family wishes. Simply share this information at the planning meeting.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Presentation of the Gifts
The family is encouraged to choose family or friends to carry forward the ciborium containing hosts to be consecrated and a cruet of wine. If choosing others or very young family members, they can walk with the two who carry the bread and the wine.
Eucharistic Acclamations
All will sing the sung parts of the Eucharistic Prayer (Holy, Holy; Memorial Acclamations; Great Amen) using the setting used by the parish during the season the funeral Mass takes place.
Lord’s Prayer
This is spoken so that all are able to join in.
Lamb of God
This is sung as the parish sings it on Sunday.
Communion
In the Catholic Church, the celebration of the Eucharist and receiving Communion are essential parts of religious practice and an opportunity for members of the Church to fully unite with Christ and each other. Many Catholic funerals will include a celebration of the Eucharist, and non-Catholics in attendance may be confused as to whether they should participate. Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion, but the priest celebrant will explain that those not receiving Communion are welcome to come forward and cross their arms across their chest in order to receive a blessing.
Final Commendation
Invitation to Prayer
The priest celebrant will begin the final commendation
Song of Farewell
The Song of Farewell is led by the Director of Liturgy and Music. The assembly responds.
Prayer of Commendation
The priest celebrant commends the deceased into the hands of Our Lord. He then prays “In
peace let us take our brother/sister to his/her place of rest,” or uses similar words when the
funeral procession will be proceeding to the place of burial.
Recessional Hymn (Sending Forth Hymn)
The priest celebrant leads the procession out of the church at which time the hymn that the family
has chosen is sung. The family follows behind the casket.