PLANNING THE FUNERAL MASS 
The members of our Parish, united in faith, express our deepest condolences and offer our prayers for your consolation and for the repose of the soul of your loved one. As the Preface prayer reminds us, 'life is changed, not ended,' and we are bound together by the ties of friendship and affection that do not unravel in death. We continue to be united as members of the Body of Christ, praying for one another in this life and the afterlife. 
We are here to support you in the planning of the funeral Mass. We have compiled this information, including readings and hymns for you to select, as well as planning and information sheets, to guide you through the process and ensure a meaningful and respectful celebration.
You may choose two (2) readings: the first is to be taken from the Old Testament and a second reading is taken from the New Testament. These may be proclaimed by one or two family members or friends who are comfortable standing before a gathering of people and speaking clearly. Since this is a very emotional time, if you prefer, the priest celebrant can choose and read the readings. The music ministers generally choose the Responsorial Psalm, while the Gospel is to be selected by the priest or deacon who will proclaim it. It is preferred that the readers read from a copy they carry to the pulpit.
Up to four hymns may be chosen: one from the section of hymns appropriate for use during the reception of Holy Communion, and three from the general section for use during the Entrance, at the Offertory, and, finally, as a Recessional. 
Family members or friends may also present the gifts of bread and wine to be consecrated and used for Communion. Usually, a ciborium or paten with hosts and a cruet with wine are placed on a small table on the side of the center aisle. Once the altar has been prepared, up to four ( 4) people may present the offerings to the priest.
 Please note that eulogies are permitted at funeral Masses celebrated in this Parish. The guidelines include that the eulogy must be written down and not exceed 5 minutes in length. We strongly suggest that the appropriate time for a friend or family member to reflect on the deceased's faith life would be at the funeral home or the cemetery, not at Mass. A more general eulogy or reminiscences about the deceased should be reserved for a reception or other social gathering after the funeral rites have been completed.