Saying goodbye to a loved one is not easy, but the church’s funeral rituals help us to honor the life of the one we loved and affirm our faith in the gift of eternal life given to us by Jesus Christ. The parish shares in your grief since we are all members of the family of God. We want to walk with you through this time of darkness into the light and hope offered by Jesus.
This section gives specifics on planning a funeral at St. Columbkille, including options for readings and music.
Understanding Catholic Funeral Rites: This brochure can assist with the funeral planning process, helping us understand the rites the Church gives to assist families during the time of death.
Catholic Family Record Guide: Download this booklet to record information so that at the time of death, loved ones do not have to make difficult decisions without knowing your specific wishes.
Christian Health Care Proxy & Advance Directive: These two documents can be modified to include in your medical records your decisions on a health care proxy (durable power of attorney for health care) and advance directives that are in accord with Catholic teachings in the case that one is no longer able to make decisions for oneself. One is for Catholics and the other for any Christian desiring to follow the teachings of the Church in this area.
Catholic Cemeteries of Omaha, Nebraska: The sole mission of our five Archdiocesan Catholic Cemeteries is to minister to individuals and families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. This mission encompasses providing compassionate support and assistance in facilitating a loved one’s interment in a consecrated space and the perpetual care thereafter.
A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decisions by The National Catholic Bioethics Center: Online article describing the Church’s teachings on making end-of-life decisions such as Advance Directives, Euthanasia, and Physician Assisted Suicide.
Excerpts from a 2012 presentation by Fr. Kevin Vogel discussing some Catholic moral principles and end-of-life decisions.
Additionally, some scripture readings are proclaimed at the wake service. These would usually consist of either an Old or New Testament reading and a Gospel. The gospel readings will be proclaimed by the priest or deacon, but the other readings should be proclaimed by a family member or friend of the family. If none are available, the parish will provide a reader. Each reading may be proclaimed by a different person, or all may be read by one person.
Gifts of bread and wine (large paten of hosts and flagon of wine) are brought forward at the Offertory of the funeral mass. At least two people are needed, but more could accompany them in the procession.
The petitions are presented at mass following the homily. Typical petitions for the funeral mass are available. They can be tailored to include the names of family members who have died, as well as other special intentions. Normally, the petitions are read by a family member or friend.
Music is integral to the mass. A list of some of the more common hymns/songs appropriate for the funeral mass is available. In addition to processional, offertory, communion, and recessional songs, we normally sing the responsorial psalm (Psalm 23), gospel acclamation (alleluia), Eucharistic Prayer acclamations (Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Amen, Lamb of God), and a Song of Final Commendation.
The funeral pall is draped over the casket in the entryway before the funeral mass begins. The large white pall is a reminder of the dignity of baptism, where the white garment was worn. We encourage the family to draw the pall open over the casket. In the case of cremation before the funeral liturgy, a pall is not placed over the cremated remains.
One of our parish priests normally presides at the funeral mass. One of our deacons normally presides at the Vigil (Wake). Ministers of Music from the parish are provided, as well as servers for the mass.
The most appropriate time for tributes and eulogies is at the Vigil (Wake) service. A time is provided in that service for family members and loved ones to share brief stories. The reception (lunch) following the funeral mass provides a good opportunity for informal sharing. A display of pictures (including computer/electronically produced) could be displayed. The homily at the funeral mass is the priest’s time to speak of God’s Word and of practicing it in our lives.
Flowers used at the funeral home for the Vigil service may be brought to the church. They are most appropriate in the main entryway along with the guest book and, possibly, some photos. The environment of the sanctuary is set for the liturgical season. The altar, ambo, priest’s chair, and the congregation are the primary symbols of the liturgy.
For the funeral, the casket with the draped pall is placed before the Easter Candle at the head of the center aisle. The symbols of liturgy speak loudly and boldly when additional items do not detract. The space should be simple and dignified rather than crowded, cluttered, or “busy.” Flowers and photos in the entryway may also be taken to the Social Level during the lunch.
The parish hosts a lunch for the family and guests in the Social Level either immediately following the funeral mass (if the burial is to take place later or the body will be cremated and interred at a later time) or following the burial.
The parish provides a printed Order of Service to guide the assembly with music and prayers, to provide brief descriptions of the special liturgical rites and symbols, and to list citations of readings. It is less a piece of memorabilia to list names or a vehicle to thank people for attending than a practical tool for the liturgy. The funeral home usually provides a book listing ministers, those involved in various tasks, and the friends who attended the services.
Years ago an official Catholic Vigil service did not exist. Family and friends would gather and pray the rosary together. Now, the church has an official service, which includes prayers, scripture readings, and homily. The service then provides some flexibility in content. Family and friends may share some stories, letters, tributes, songs, poems, and other memories of their loved one.
If praying the rosary was an important part of the deceased’s life or of the family, a decade of the rosary would be appropriate at this time. One of the parish deacons normally presides at the Vigil. They are most willing to discuss options with the family and arrange a plan for the Vigil service. We also invite you to stay in contact with the parish following the funeral.
The parish has a number of ministries to help you through the process of grief. Please contact one of the priests or deacons to get more information about these ministries. St. Columbkille Catholic Church Parish Office at 402-339-3285.