​Funeral Planning - Bereavement Ministry

​The Roman Catholic Church believes that the death of a Christian is the end of the earthly pilgrimage and the beginning of a new and eternal life with God. The funeral liturgy celebrated is for both the living and the dead and is closely tied to the rites of Baptism, when the promise of eternal life in Christ is first given to those who believe.  The ritual symbols of water, the paschal candle, the pall, the journey to the altar, and the Word of God all recall the journey that begins with Baptism.

Recognizing the difficulties faced by families and friends of the deceased in their time of loss and sorrow, St. John Vianney’s Bereavement Ministry offers guidance, support and prayers.
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​Funeral Mass

Funeral ​Masses are scheduled six days a week, Monday through Saturday; there are no funerals scheduled on Sundays, holidays or Church holy days. Funeral arrangements are usually coordinated by the mortuary.

​Vigil Service

​Vigils are generally scheduled at the same time the Funeral Mass is scheduled and usually take place the evening before the Funeral Mass. It is preferred that vigils be held at the mortuary, rather than at the church. Vigil services are led by a deacon or lay person and consist of a prayer service in memory of the deceased; recitation of the Rosary may be a part of that service.
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​Word of God

​Through a designated contact, the family of the deceased is asked to select readings from the Old and New Testaments and a reading from the Gospels. The readings offered for selection are taken from the booklet, “Through Death to Life”, and are available in Spanish as well as in English.  While it is preferred that a copy of the booklet be picked up from the parish office (Corpus Christi Center) for review and selection, it is possible to view the options on-line by clicking on each verse or through the usccb.org website , if an in-person visit to the office is not convenient. The following is a list of the readings from which selections may be made:

Old Testament - First Reading

Note: ​A family member or friend should be selected to proclaim the Old and New Testament readings; this can be one person for each reading, or one individual can present both. Direction will be given to those selected to read, prior to the start of the Mass.

​New Testament - Second Reading

​Note: During the Easter season (Easter Sunday through Pentecost Sunday) the Old Testament reading is replaced with a New Testament reading from above, resulting in two New Testament readings for the Mass.  That second New Testament reading is selected from the following:

​Gospel Reading

Note: The priest proclaims the Gospel. Bible passages other than those listed above may be chosen in lieu of those suggested. Your Bereavement Ministry contact is available to assist you. 

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​Universal Prayer - General Intercessions

​Family members or friends may be selected to offer the intercessions, following the homily.  The priest would introduce the prayer, then the selected reader would present the intercessions, and the priest would conclude the prayer.  The prayers may be taken from the booklet, “Through Death to Life”, or they can be written by the family.  The Bereavement Ministry contact can guide the family through this.

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​Offertory Procession

​Two family members or friends should be selected to take the gifts of bread and wine to the altar at the offertory.  The Bereavement Ministry greeters will provide direction prior to the start of the Mass.

​Eulogies

​A eulogy is optional.  While eulogies generally are presented at a vigil, should a family wish to present one during the Funeral Mass, it is requested that there be only one speaker and the presentation last no more than five minutes. The priest will announce the appropriate moment for the presentation.

​Flowers

​Flower arrangements, large or small, may be displayed at the entrance to the church. Out of concern for all attending, floral arrangements that could possibly leak water must remain outside. One special arrangement may be placed in the sanctuary (the area of the altar); however, it must be protected from water leakage. The Bereavement Ministry greeters will provide direction as to the exact placement of all arrangements.  Once the service has ended, all of the flowers must be removed from the church.
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​Photographs

Photos of the deceased are welcome.  A single large picture on an easel is allowed in the sanctuary; a floral arrangement may be placed under it.  Small pictures, in the form of a collage, can be placed on easels at the entrance to the church.  Up to three easels can be provided;  direction will be given as to their exact placement.
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​Music

​Sacred music has an integral role in the Mass of Christian burial, since it can console and uplift mourners while, at the same time, unite those gathered in faith and love.  Funeral music should express the Paschal Mystery and the Christian’s share in it.
Sometime prior to the day of the Mass, the Music Director will contact the family to discuss the music.  One can prepare for this conversation by thinking of music selections sung at Sunday Mass that evoke comfort and consolation in the Paschal Mystery.

To ensure the full, active participation of those gathered for the funeral, a worship aid will be printed containing the music that has been selected.  Bereavement Ministry greeters will distribute it to all as they enter the church.

The musicians from the parish (organist, pianist, guitarists and cantors) are the primary musicians for the Mass.  The participation of any third party (outside) musicians must be discussed with, and have the approval of, the Music Director in advance.

​Videotaping - Live Streaming

​Permission must be obtained from the parish office in advance and certain requirements must be met.  Upon approval, the funeral servers will provide the password to connect to the internet for live streaming, etc. The family must provide their own equipment and operator.   
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