Funeral Planning

The Catholic Funeral Rites are some of the most beautiful liturgies of the Church. They are sacred, ancient, and rich in meaning in the “handing over” the body to our Lord. It is important to note that they are not a “celebration of life” in the secular meaning but one of handing back to God that which He alone created.

Tributes, Videos and Eulogies

Videos, individual tributes or eulogies are not permitted at the funeral Mass. They are reserved for the Vigil or Rosary service (normally, the afternoon or evening before the day of the Funeral Mass) or for a reception following the funeral liturgy.

Comportment

Conduct in the church itself, including but not limited to speech, dress, and behavior by all persons in attendance is expected to be dignified and respectful befitting the House of God. If proper etiquette cannot be reasonably assured by all in attendance in a Catholic church, serious consideration should be given to an alternate venue for the service.

Requiem Mass / Funeral Service / Graveside committal

A Requiem or a Funeral Service is provided. A Funeral Service is recommended for those who are not practicing Catholics. A Funeral Service can be celebrated in the church with a priest or deacon. It can also be held in other locations such as mortuaries or cemeteries that may or may not be recognized as Catholic in particular. A Requiem Funeral Mass must be held in a Catholic church. Following the funeral, a graveside committal service is also available.

Funeral Planner

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming. Our Lady of Hope Parish and your local funeral home will assist you in every step along the way. Whether a loved one has recently passed away, or you are looking to plan ahead for your own funeral, the following can serve as a guide:

  • Step One: Please contact your local funeral home to set up a date for the service. The funeral home will then contact Our Lady of Hope Parish to coordinate and confirm the date. If you have any questions regarding cremation, please see the information on cremation on the Diocesan website.

  • Step Two: Our Lady of Hope Parish will contact you to determine details for the Mass.

  • Step Three: Your family will be asked to select readings and music. Please read through the selections below. Then, you can submit your choices digitally in the form to the right of the selections. Please know any song (except Psalms) can be placed in any song category on the form. Individual tributes or eulogies are not permitted at the funeral Mass. They are reserved for the Vigil or Rosary service (normally, the afternoon or evening before the day of the Funeral Mass) or for a reception following the funeral liturgy. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to e-mail or call the office.

First Reading Selections

Psalm

23: The Lord is My Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.
25: To You O Lord, I lift up my soul.
27a: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
27b: I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
42: My soul is thirsting for the living God: when shall I see Him face to face?
63: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
103a: The Lord is kind and merciful.
103b: The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
116: I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
122a: I rejoiced when I heard them say: let us go to the house of the Lord.
122b: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
130: I hope in the Lord, I trust in His word.
143: O Lord, hear my prayer.


Second Reading Selections