From Holy Scripture "... for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus, he made atonement for the dead that they might be absolved from their sins" (2 Macc. 12:44-46).
Planning Funerals When the time has come to plan your loved one’s funeral, please contact the Funeral Home of your choice, who will then contact our Parish office at 772-334-4214 to coordinate the date and time of the Funeral. We will gladly plan the details with you. Music Family members should contact our music director at the parish to discuss appropriate music for the Funeral Mass. The Funeral Mass is a sacred moment to honor, remember, and pray for the deceased. Secular music during the liturgy is not appropriate.
Eulogies Again, in keeping with the sacred nature of the Funeral Liturgy, it is not recommended that eulogies take place during the Mass. Given the secular nature of many of the stories shared during eulogies, the setting of the Mass is not the recommended or appropriate place. Eulogies are recommended at the Wake Service, the Rite of Committal, and the Reception or Gathering of family and friends following the Rite of Committal.
Praying for the Deceased Memorial Masses Given the transient nature of modern society, it is often difficult to assemble all the family and friends of the deceased in a timely manner. The custom has arisen by which a private and simple burial precedes a formal gathering of family and friends at a Memorial Mass to remember the deceased. If a Memorial Mass is celebrated, the same care and diligence in selecting the music and readings should be practiced maintaining the sacredness of the Mass. Please discuss the restrictions in the Church's Liturgical Calendar with the priest before planning a Memorial Mass. Mass Intentions Our Catholic tradition offers the opportunity to have multiple masses offered for the soul of the deceased loved one. Please contact the parish office to have Mass offered on birthdays, anniversaries, etc. of your beloved deceased.