Plan Ahead
It is useful to consider "preplanning" some details of one's own funeral.
For Christians, planning for death is primarily an act of faith begun in
baptism. Our pastoral staff can meet with you to do this planning.
However, too much preplanning could make the survivors feel completely left
out with no way to deal with their own grief. The revised Order of
Christian Funerals strongly invites the family and close friends to take
part in the planning and celebration of the various rites (The Vigil Service,
Funeral Liturgy, Committal).
You might want to choose a funeral director in advance. Contact several
to compare their fees. Check with relatives and friends for
recommendations. We can let you know with whom we have worked.
In the case of serious illness or accident, please call us to arrange
pastoral care.
When Death Occurs
We a most happy to help you as you deal with you loss. Normally, we do
not turn anyone away from the Church of Saint William.
We invite you to call the parish office as soon as you are able
(763-571-5600). Someone will respond within a few hours.
As soon as possible, a representative of the parish will arrange another time
to gather with the family to begin the preparation of the funeral rites.
Call the funeral director to arrange a meeting with the family members.
This usually occurs within 24 hours of the certification of death. The
funeral director will propose options and point out the value of various choices
rather then present a "packaged deal." The funeral director assists with
the preparation of the obituary notice as well as making arrangements with the
parish and cemetery.
Gather Information
The funeral recalls the entire life of the deceased. You will be asked
to provide the dead person's vital statistics, including names of parents,
birthdate, etc. Some of this information will also be included in the
obituary -- such as survivors, cause of death, etc.
The existence of insurance policies, service in the armed forces, membership
in a union, etc. are also helpful for the director to know in determining the
availability of death benefits.
Consider the role of distant relatives and others close to the deceased such
as co-workers. The arrival of relatives from long distances might dictate
the delay of services for a day or two.
Can I be Cremated?
Yes. Cremation is allowed in the Catholic Church. This should be
worked out with the funeral director. The Church strongly prefers that the
body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the
human body most clearly brings to mind the life and death of the person.
The memorial service is a gathering which differs from a funeral only that in
the body is not present. Most often the cremated remains are present
during the service in an urn.
Receiving the Body at the Church
This can happen at three different times:
- at the beginning of the vigil (if it is held at the parish)
- at the beginning of the funeral
- between the vigil and the funeral liturgy
This is an important part of the funeral rites of the church because it
proclaims a message about the meaning of the church building and the church
community celebrated in the funeral. It also speaks of the dead person as
one who is baptized.
The Vigil or Wake for the Deceased
The purpose of the vigil is for the Christian community to keep watch with
the family in prayer and find strength in Christ's presence.
You have options about scheduling the wake and the funeral. Evening
funerals can be arranged.
Planning the vigil/wake and funeral liturgy is part of the healing process
and we would be glad to assist you with this. You will be invited to
choose scripture readings and music to be proclaimed at the vigil and the
funeral. The wake is the ideal place for storytelling about the deceased.
It is a time for a more personal expression of the family's sorrow and faith.
The Funeral Liturgy
The family of the deceased is invited to plan the
funeral liturgy. This will include:
- Selecting scripture readings. (You will be given a small booklet
called Through Death to Life which includes appropriate scripture
readings from which to choose.)
- Suggesting music possibilities to be included in the celebration (hymns
and other songs that have special meaning for the family as well as choices
that will encourage faith-filled participation.) Music is integral to
the funeral rites and should be chosen with care. Its purpose is to
support, console and uplift the participants and help to create a spirit of
hope. The music director is available to assist you with suggestions.
- Family members or others are invited to read, bring up the gifts, serve
as pall bearers, etc. Composing prayers of petition is another way of
personalizing the ceremony. The eulogy ("remarks of remembrance") can
be part of the liturgy.
The Rite of Committal
This is celebrated at the cemetery. A member of the pastoral staff will
accompany the procession and preside at the graveside.
Worship Aid (Program)
We will prepare a worship aid which will include all the necessary music,
prayers, etc. for your funeral liturgy.
Hospitality
If you want to have a meal or refreshments, we invite you to use Keefe Hall
free of charge. We will assist with the arrangements. Let us know
when we plan the funeral.
Follow-Up
A member of the staff will contact you and your family shortly after the
funeral to offer assistance in the grief process. Their are various
support programs that may be helpful for survivors.
Contact Us
For more information, please call 763-571-5600 or e-mail us at
mjrozek@stwilliams.com.
For a printable copy of this information,
click
here (requires Adobe Reader).
|
A
Parish Guide to Planning