How do I prepare for a funeral?

First Steps

Please call the parish office to notify us that someone has died and you are requesting a funeral. Our coordinator of funerals will call you back as soon as possible.

When making arrangements after a loved one has passed, the best place to begin is to choose and contact a mortuary or funeral home of your choice. They will help to assist making sure all necessary arrangements are coordinated properly between themselves, the Church and the Cemetery.

Heritage Funeral Chapels is our preferred mortuary.

Heritage Funeral Chapel 
6830 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria AZ 85381
(623) 974-3671

Who May Receive a Funeral at St. Thomas More?

• Registered and active parishioners (whether in the boundaries or outside)
• Any long time parishioner who has become inactive because of health or some other good reason
• Immediate family of parishioners (parents and children)
• Any Catholic living in our parish boundaries

What Kind of Services are Available?

A vigil service is offered the day before the funeral.

The funeral may be either a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word. We recommend a Liturgy of the Word service for people who are not practicing Catholics.

Following the funeral, a graveside committal service is also available.

What Days of the Week are Funeral Services Available?

Funeral services are available Monday through Friday only, generally at 10:30 AM.

How are the Readings Chosen?

You can select any of the prescribed readings for the Funeral Mass or service.

Tributes and Eulogies

Individual tributes or eulogies are not permitted at the funeral Mass. They are reserved for the Vigil or Rosary service (normally, the afternoon or evening before the day of the Funeral Mass) or for a reception following the funeral liturgy.