Funeral Planning
But in all these things we overcome, because of him that hath loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
– Romans 8:37-39
Planning the funeral mass for your loved one
The Clergy and parish family of Sacred Heart assure you of our prayers and loving support during your time of sorrow.
The details of arranging funeral services may feel overwhelming. Know that the funeral director at the funeral home is your main contact and will coordinate all services and times for your family, contacting the Church on your behalf. Reach out to the Funeral Home and Director first.
As you go through this preparation, we encourage you to consider the following:
A Mass of Resurrection
We encourage all Catholics, through those planning their funeral services, to have a Mass said on the day of their burial with the body present at the Church. The Mass is the prayer Jesus gave us at the Last Supper and is His Sacrifice that atones for the sins of our loved one whose body we honor with Christian burial. Of all the services we could choose, for Catholics, this is the most important as we ask God to mercifully cleanse our loved one of sin and receive him or her into his heavenly kingdom. Masses of Resurrection are scheduled at Sacred Heart during theweekdays, not on weekends because there are often weddings and baptisms.
Cremation
Catholics may choose cremation. The Church encourages us to wait until after the Mass of Resurrection to do the cremation so that the body is present at the Church for this Mass. When choosing cremation, please plan to inter the cremains in a grave or columbarium when you receive them from the funeral home. It is important to honor the cremains with a final resting place rather than keeping them in our homes. This is also important for us who grieve the death of our loved one, giving us closure.
Vigil Service
We encourage parishioners to have an evening vigil service for family and friends who may not be able to attend during the day. While the traditional prayer offered at the vigil is the Rosary, there is an option for a Liturgy of the Word that is more comforting for those attending who are from different Christian denominations. You may choose to have the Liturgy of the Word followed by the praying of the Rosary.
Funeral Reception Meal
At Sacred Heart, we offer a meal after the burial of your loved one for immediate and extended family members – for approximately fifty people. Please let us know if you desire this. Please also note that during the pandemic this option may not always be available.
Planning the Mass of Resurrection
To make this celebration more personal, we invite you to choose the Scripture Readings and to suggest hymns for the Mass. Use these links on this page recommended by the Church. Choose four readings: one from Old Testament, one from Responsorial Psalms, one from New Testament, and one from the Gospel.
Mass Intention
Rather than scheduling a private Memorial Mass, we encourage you to reserve a Mass Intention at the parish office and invite family and friends to attend. This allows others from the parish who attend daily or weekend masses to be present to pray with you and for the soul of your loved one.
First Anniversary – One Year Mass Intention
Again, instead of a private Mass, we encourage you to reserve a Mass Intention for your loved one on the date of the one-year anniversary of the death, or a date close to that one at which you and other family and friends may attend. This allows others in the parish family to be in prayer with you at this sacred time.
Bereavement Support Groups
We encourage you to consider journeying with others who have also experienced the death of a loved one. Currently, we offer groups in English or Spanish and there is a special group available for parents who have experienced the death of a child. Contact: Linda Galanos at lgalanos@consolidated.net or call (936) 525-8738
Individual and Family Counseling
As you experience grief, there are many emotions and sometimes you may feel overwhelmed. We invite you to consider talking with a Catholic Counselor at Gratia Plena. Their contact information is (832) 532-0129 and www.gratiaplenacounseling.org.
