Planning a funeral is a delicate and sacred time, and requires prayerful consideration for all aspects of what is going to happen. Whether you are pre-planning your own or a loved one's funeral, or you are making decisions immediately after the death of a loved one, it is important to know and understand what the Roman Catholic Church expects so that we can journey with you and your family into a time of peace and hope.
Below is a guideline to assist families in preparation for a funeral at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church. We work very hard to accommodate families as much as possible, yet there are some things to know and understand so that we can work together in a spirit of patience and understanding to help bereaved families in their time of greatest need.
These guidelines are in a printable and/or downloadable version, and we encourage everyone to read them prayerfully and carefully so that proper decisions can be made. When questions and concerns arise, the priests and staff of Holy Rosary Church will help to guide you, and the local funeral directors will also work very closely with the pastoral staff to ensure a sacred and prayerful final journey for your loved one and your family.
The following downloads are readings from Sacred Scripture used for funerals. Families should prayerfully choose one (1) Old Testament reading, one (1) Psalm Response, and one (1) New Testament, to be read at the funeral liturgy in that order (Old Testament reading, Responsorial Psalm, New Testament reading). Inform the funeral director of your choices, and they will let the presiding priest know your selections, and the readings you choose will be placed on the pulpit in the church prior to the funeral. Please ask family members or friends to read one, two, or all three readings. The person(s) who reads from Scripture should be a practicing Catholic, and familiar with the Liturgy of the Mass.