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Funeral Planning

- Where To Begin
  
  We understand that planning a funeral can be a difficult time. At St. Patrick, our goal is to guide families through the Catholic funeral liturgy with care, reverence, and support. All arrangements are made in consultation with the presiding priest or deacon.
  
  Download and complete the Funeral Planning Sheet to help guide your meeting.
  If a funeral home is involved, they will assist in coordinating a meeting with the presider.
  
  Planning Sheet
- Readings
  
  Families select one reading each from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel. Full reading lists and guidance can be found on the USCCB website.
  Funeral Readings
- Music
  
  Music is an important part of the funeral liturgy, providing comfort and hope in Christ. Families may work with our music director to select hymns and songs.
  Music Selection
- Funeral Planning Process
  
  At St. Patrick Catholic Church, funeral arrangements are coordinated through a funeral director who works closely with our parish staff. The funeral home will assist you in scheduling the visitation, funeral Mass or liturgy, burial, and optional luncheon. They also help with programs, photo displays, flowers, and all logistical details.
  How the process typically works:
  Contact the funeral home first.
  They will then reach out to St. Patrick to explore available dates and times.
  Meet with the funeral director.
  Together you will confirm the schedule for the visitation and funeral. Note: We are unable to host visitations in the church.
  Meet with the presiding priest or deacon.
  The family will contact St. Patrick to schedule this meeting. The presider will guide you through selecting readings, music, and liturgical details.
  If not using a funeral home.
  Contact the parish office to schedule a meeting with the presider: 636-332-9225.
  Funeral Luncheon (optional):
  Our Table of Plenty Ministry is available to offer a luncheon following the Mass or burial. They prepare, serve, and clean up the meal. Details can be discussed at the family’s meeting with the presider.
- Cremation Guidelines
- Columbarium
- Cemetery
- Can a guest priest or deacon participate?
  Yes. A St. Patrick priest or deacon will preside at the funeral. Guest clergy are welcome to concelebrate or assist if they are in good standing. At the presider’s discretion, a guest may preach the homily, offer the final commendation, or lead prayers at the cemetery. Generally, guest clergy do not serve as the primary presider.
- Should we choose a Mass or a Liturgy Without Mass?
  A Funeral Mass is the standard liturgy for a Catholic who was in good standing, and this is always the preferred format. In situations where the deceased was not practicing the faith or lived publicly contrary to Catholic teaching, the presider may recommend a liturgy without Mass and will discuss this with the family.
- What are the guidelines for wakes, flowers, and memorials?
  Wakes (visitations) in the church vestibule may last up to two hours.
  Flowers and displays may be set up no more than 30 minutes before the visitation.
  Up to two floral arrangements may be left in the church temporarily (not during Lent).
  Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick Catholic Church.
- Are eulogies allowed during the Funeral Mass?
  We encourage families to share stories and memories during the visitation or luncheon, where there is more time and space to honor your loved one.
  If you would like a brief eulogy during the Funeral Mass, please keep in mind:
  Only one person may speak.
  Reflections should be three minutes or less.
  We’re here to help you find the most meaningful way to share your memories.
- Can we pre-plan our funeral arrangements?
  Yes. Many families find peace of mind in planning ahead. St. Patrick offers Through Death to Life, Planning the Catholic Funeral (by Curley) to help you reflect on readings, music, and other details that can guide your loved ones in the future. If you would like a copy or need help getting started, please contact the parish office—we’re here to walk with you through the process.
- Do you have a list of General Intercessions?
  NOTE: Please check with the presiding priest before selecting the General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful; Petitions) as they may have already made the selections.
  
  Sample petitions that you can choose from or you may choose to write your own.
  
  H-1 (F) Prayers of the Faithful
  1. In baptism N received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead her over the waters of death. We pray to the Lord…
  2. Our sister N was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome her into the halls of the heavenly banquet. We pray to the Lord…
  3. Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. We pray to the Lord…
  4. The family and friends of N seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. We pray to the Lord…
  5. We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our sister N. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son’s coming. We pray to the Lord…
  
  H-1 (M) Prayers of the Faithful
  1. In baptism N received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead him over the waters of death. We pray to the Lord…
  2. Our brother N was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome him into the halls of the heavenly banquet. We pray to the Lord…
  3. Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. We pray to the Lord…
  4. The family and friends of N seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. We pray to the Lord…
  5. We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our brother N. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son’s coming. We pray to the Lord…
  
  H-2 (F) Prayers of the Faithful
  1. For N who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that she may now be admitted to the company of the saints. We pray to the Lord…
  2. For our sister who ate the body of Christ, the bread of life, that she may be raised up on the last day. We pray to the Lord…
  3. For our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. We pray to the Lord…
  4. For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face. We pray to the Lord…
  5. For the family and friends of our sister N that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. We pray to the Lord…
  6. For all of us assembled here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together again in God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord…
  
  H-2 (M) Prayers of the Faithful
  1. For N. who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that he may now be admitted to the company of the saints. We pray to the Lord…
  2. For our brother who ate the body of Christ, the bread of life, that he may be raised up on the last day. We pray to the Lord…
  3. For our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. We pray to the Lord…
  4. For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face. We pray to the Lord…
  5. For the family and friends of our brother N that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. We pray to the Lord…
  6. For all of us assembled here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together again in God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord…
  
  H-3 Prayers of the Faithful
  1. That the bishops and priests of the Church, and all who preach the Gospel, may be given the strength to express in action the word they proclaim. We pray to the Lord…
  2. That those in public office may promote justice and peace. We pray to the Lord…
  3. That those who bear the cross of pain in mind or body may never feel forsaken by God. We pray to the Lord…
  4. That God may call his servant N to happiness in the company of all the saints. We pray to the Lord…
  5. That God may welcome into his glory those of our family and friends who have departed this life. We pray to the Lord…
  6. That God may give a place in the kingdom of heaven to all the faithful departed. We pray to the Lord…
  
  Prayers of the Faithful (For a child)
  1. For N, child of God [and heir to the kingdom], that he/she be held securely in God’s loving embrace now and for all eternity. We pray to the Lord…
  2. For N’s family, especially his/her mother and father, [brothers and sisters], that they feel the healing power of Christ in the midst of their pain and grief. We pray to the Lord…
  3. For children who have died of hunger and disease, that these little ones be seated close to the Lord at his heavenly table. We pray to the Lord…
  4. For all parents who grieve over the death of their children, that they may be comforted in the knowledge that their children dwell with God. We pray to the Lord…
  5. For all of us, N’s family and friends, may we be comforted in our sorrow. We pray to the Lord
  
  Miscellaneous Petitions
  1. For all those that care for the sick. For doctors and nurses, medical technicians and aids, hospice workers and hospital employees, that they may be given strength and patience to care for the sick with kindness, love and compassion. We pray to the Lord…
  2. For our veterans and those who are serving in the military, for those who have served in armed conflicts and wars, and for their families during these difficult times of separation, may they receive God’s loving peace and strength. We pray to the Lord…
  3. Many people die by violence, war, and famine each day. Show your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against your love, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace. We pray to the Lord…
  4. Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give refreshment, rest, and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone. We pray to the Lord…