“At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.” (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4)
The Church of the Holy Family can help you and your family to plan during this difficult time.
What To Do When Your Catholic Loved One Dies
Step by Step on how to schedule a Catholic funeral at Holy Family Church
- Following the death of the Catholic loved one, contact the church office at 706-323-6908 as soon as possible to set up a time to meet with the Pastor and staff. The plans for the funeral service should begin with the church.
- The first meeting at the church will establish the availability of the priest and church for a funeral and to discuss the funeral plans desired by the person or persons representing the deceased.
- There are three parts to a Catholic funeral:
- The Vigil or Wake Service
- The Funeral with or without Mass
- Committal or Burial.
- Each of these parts, if celebrated, needs to be scheduled with the priest or deacon.
- Some important questions to consider
- What day for the funeral are you seeking?
- What time of the day are you seeking?
- Where will the funeral take place?
- Will you want a funeral wake service at the funeral home?
- Will there be a funeral with Mass or without Mass?
- Which funeral home will you use?
- Where and when will the burial take place?
- What information do you want to put in the obituary for the deceased?
- The priest or parish representative will help you with the details concerning the funeral, such as funeral readings, music options, and how family and friends can participate in the funeral services.
- The funeral home will also help you plan for details of the wake, funeral, and committal.