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Catholic Funeral Rites

The Vigil:

This rite is celebrated by the Christian Community in the time following the death and before the funeral liturgy. It is a time when loved ones show their respect and greet the family and friends of the deceased. It is also the most ideal time to share the memories of the deceased through a eulogy or video tribute, usually held at the funeral home the day before the Funeral Mass. During the vigil, the Rosary is often recited for the deceased.

Funeral Mass:

This is the central liturgical celebration held with the deceased’s body present at church. Part of the Catholic belief is that those who follow the way of Jesus shall forever be in heaven, body and soul, in the presence of God. We believe in the bodily resurrection. Also, the Church honors the body because it has been the temple of the Holy Spirit. It was the body that was baptized, which began our relationship with God. Therefore, the Church says that the body should be present at the funeral rites. If cremation is selected, the Church prefers that the body be present at the Mass.

Rite of Committal:

This rite is the final act of our faith community in caring for the body of its deceased member. By our presence at this rite, we help the mourners face the end of one relationship with the deceased and the beginning of a new one based on prayerful remembrance, gratitude, and the hope of resurrection and reunion. The celebration, whenever possible, takes place not in a cemetery chapel but at the open grave or place of interment. The act of committal expresses that the grave, once a sign of despair, is now, through Christ’s own death and Resurrection, a sign of hope and promise

Funeral Etiquette

The accepted customs of dress and behavior in funeral homes have changed over time, but courtesy never goes out of style.
Listed below are the general guidelines regarding funeral etiquette.

Making the Most of a Difficult Time Like Death

It is important to know what religious, ethnic, or personal considerations you need to take into account when it comes to dealing with the death of a loved one. It is also important to be respectful of close family members. If you make a visit during the calling hours, do not feel that your stay needs to be lengthy. A brief appearance is acceptable.

Offer an Expression of Sympathy

Sometimes we are at a loss for words when encountering something as final as death. Simply saying “I’m so sorry for your loss” is usually enough. Be respectful and listen alternatively when spoken to and offer your own words of condolence.

More Tips

  • Always sign the register book.
  • Find out the dress code.
  • Give a gift.
  • Don’t feel that you have to view the deceased in an open casket.
  • Don’t be afraid to laugh.
  • Don’t allow your children to be a disturbance.
  • Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone.
  • Keep in touch.

 

Decorating Guidelines

The information listed below is provided to preserve the integrity of the cemetery, protect the sacredness of its grounds, and provide safety to those who visit. We respectfully request your cooperation in following these regulations, which apply for the mutual protection and benefit of all lot holders, visitors, and employees of the cemetery.

April 1st – November 20th

  • In ground burial sections, please place natural or silk decorations in an inverted metal vase which may be obtained at the cemetery office. Concrete urns may be used in mausoleum and columbarium garden areas.
  • The maximum height for decorations is 22”.
  • We ask that you do not use glassware, pottery, shepherd crooks, or metal cans as these items can cause serious injury to visitors and employees when coming in contact with mowing equipment.
  • Do not plant shrubs or flowers without approval from the Superintendent of the cemetery.
  • Only one decoration per interment site is permitted.
  • All vases that are not in use will be inverted or removed.
  • Please do not bring pets, alcoholic beverages, firearms, or fireworks into the cemetery.
  • Statues must not be taller than 33” or weigh more than 20 pounds.
  • Flower saddles are allowed on monuments only.
  • The cemetery reserves the right to remove unsightly decorations.
  • Please be advised that the cemetery is not responsible for theft or the deterioration of any decoration or statuary. Further, the cemetery does not warrant metal vases.
  • American Flags may be placed 2 days prior, the day of, and 2 days following Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day. The flags will be removed by cemetery personnel and retained for use the following year.

November 21st – March 14th

  • Christmas wreaths are permitted and are available at the cemetery office. We ask that all wreaths be secured to a wire easel.
  • Grave blankets are not permitted.

March 15th – March 31st — Annual Cleanup

  • Please do not decorate during this period.
  • All decorations will be removed, and statues will remain.
  • All vases will be inverted.