How do I prepare for a funeral?

Funeral Preparation Guide

Planning a funeral for a loved one is a sacred and meaningful process. The following guide will help you understand the steps involved and the options available at St. Thomas More Parish.

Funeral Liturgy is generally three different acts:

• Vigil service (where the Eulogies are given) held at the mortuary
• Funeral Liturgy (full Mass or Liturgy of the Word Service held at the Church)
• Graveside Committal (typically immediately following)

To Begin

Please contact the parish office as soon as possible to notify us of your loved one’s passing and to request a funeral. Anna, our funeral coordinator, will return your call promptly to assist you.

We also recommend selecting and contacting a mortuary or funeral home early in the process. They will help coordinate all necessary arrangements with the Church and cemetery.

After the funeral date has been confirmed with the parish office, you will receive a private link to a planning form. This will guide you through finalizing all details for the funeral liturgy such as; selecting the readings and music.

Eligibility for Funeral Services

Funeral services at St. Thomas More are available to:

• Registered and active parishioners (within or outside parish boundaries)
• Long-time parishioners who have become inactive due to health or other valid reasons
• Any Catholic residing within parish boundaries

Types of Funeral Services

The following services are available:

• Funeral Liturgy:
  • Funeral Mass
  • Liturgy of the Word (available for both practicing and non-practicing Catholics)
• Graveside Committal Service: Held at the cemetery following the funeral
  • A Deacon or Lay Minister can be requested

Funeral Schedule

Funeral services are typically held on:

• Wednesday or Thursday (other days may be available upon request, but are less common)

Services begin at 10:30 AM

Readings for the Liturgy

Families are invited to select the following readings:

• One Old Testament reading
• One New Testament reading
• One Gospel reading

A curated list of approved Scripture readings is available to guide your selections, offering messages of comfort, hope, and faith.

Music Selection

A list of approved hymns and songs is provided, with recordings available for review. These selections are chosen to reflect the reverence and beauty of the Catholic tradition.

Cremation Guidelines

The Catholic Church permits cremation, with the following guidelines:

• Funeral rites (Vigil, Mass or Liturgy of the Word, and Burial) remain the same
• Cremated remains must be treated with respect and placed in a permanent resting place

Not permitted:

• Scattering ashes
• Keeping ashes at home
• Dividing remains or mixing with others (including pets or objects)
• Incorporating remains into jewelry, artwork, or other items

Support and Assistance

If you have any questions or need guidance at any point, please contact Anna in the parish office. We are here to support you with care and compassion throughout this process.