The
personal loss that death creates can be shocking and devastating. Your parish community wants to be available to you during
your loss and grief. We want to help in ways that are most important to you. So, if you do not need this information close-at-hand
for the moment, please keep it for reference. It could help eliminate confusion for you after experiencing the profound shock
of loss.
The following listing is printed as a reminder of items to consider when planning a Wake Service or
Funeral Mass. Your parish family is here to help.
| Contact Information |
| Monsignor
Bernard Malone | 922-4024 |
| Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer |
922-3283 | | Church
Office | 922-2062 |
| Memorial Gardens on Grounds |
Death Notice Notification of the death
of a parishioner should be given to the pastor, deacon, or office staff as soon as possible. Services must not be scheduled
through the funeral home before notifying the church.
Wake Service A Wake Service can be held at the funeral home, chapel of the church, or in the church itself. Services are normally scheduled
at the church for the evening before the Funeral Mass from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., with the rosary recited at 5:30 p.m.
Eulogies An eulogy for the deceased should be limited to five or six
minutes and presented at the Wake Service; before, or after, the Funeral Mass.
Funeral
Mass A Funeral Mass is a Mass of Christian Burial and is celebrated only when a body or cremains is
present at the Mass. A Funeral Mass can be scheduled for 9:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Memorial
Mass When the body or cremains is not present, an ordinary daily Mass for the deceased can be celebrated
if (s)he is a registered member of the parish.
Gift Bearers The family can choose two, three or four persons to take the gifts to the altar. These persons must be practicing Catholics.
Please notify the coordinating deacon.
Lector Family members
can select a lector, who is a Catholic in good standing. The readings must be taken from the Lectionary for the Mass. This
information must be given to the priest or coordinating deacon.
Music The coordinating deacon will help the family arrange for preferred religious music selections. No secular music can be
selected. The services of a cantor and organist will be provided by the parish for the Mass of Christian Burial of a registered
parishioner. Stipends will be paid by the church.
Reception A reception can be requested to be held after the
Mass of Christian Burial of a registered member. Ladies of the
Sacred Heart Guild members will provide and serve the refreshments in the Lower Hall of the church. If selected, notification
must be given to the office staff at least 48 hours in advance, with an estimation of the number attending.
Release Form This form, provided by the parish, is required when either the
body or cremains is kept in the church overnight. A family signature is necessary to release the church from liability.
Flowers Family members can select flowers to order from any
florist. A church representative will coordinate placement of plants/flowers on the altar.
Graveside The official Catholic graveside service must take place before any other services presented at the grave. Cremains housed
in an acceptable container must be kept in a columbarium or grave. It is forbidden to have cremains spread anywhere, on the
ground or over lakes; or, to keep cremains in homes or on mantel pieces.
Portraits Family members can supply a portrait or photos of the deceased for display in the narthex. Items selected should be at
the church at least 24 hours prior to the service. Often your funeral home staff can help with this activity.
Holy Cards and Guest Books The family can arrange with the Funeral Home
staff for these items. Ask them to bring both items to the church at least 24 hours prior to the service.
Knights of Columbus A family member can contact a representative of the Knights
of Columbus if your loved one was a member. Special services may be available.
Veterans
of Foreign Wars If asked, a member of the Funeral Home staff will contact a representative of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars (VFW), if your loved one was a member. A ceremony at the gravesite can be scheduled.
Memorials Notify the office staff if you have preferences concerning memorials to your loved one’s memory. A notification sign
for those attending services will then be made.
Giving Tree Select a leaf for the Giving Tree in the narthex to be engraved with the deceased’s name. Requirements include a
minimum contribution of $50 to the Memorial Fund.
Stipends The celebrant, organist and cantor are paid by the church. If you wish to defray this expense, a contribution can be made
to the Memorial Fund.
Donations Checks can be made payable
to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and left with the Office Staff.
