Funeral & Memorial Mass

Support for the Sick and Dying

During times of serious illness, the Church offers the comfort of prayer and the grace of the sacraments. If your loved one would like to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (often called the Last Rites or the Sacrament of the Dying), please call 972-809-0762. Our clergy will do their best to visit as soon as possible and accompany your family with prayer and pastoral care.

When a Death Occurs

When a death occurs, please contact the parish office at 972-692-4512. Our parish community will begin praying for you and your family during this difficult time. The office can add your loved one to our parish prayer intentions and ensure that your family is remembered in prayer.

The office will also connect you with our Liturgical Coordinator, who will walk with you through the funeral planning process. Assistance is available by phone, email, or in person and includes discussing available funeral dates, scheduling a planning appointment, selecting readings and music, answering questions about the liturgy, and providing the resources needed to prepare the service.

Funeral liturgies are generally celebrated Monday through Friday at 10:30 AM or 1:30 PM. Because Saturdays are reserved primarily for parish sacramental celebrations, Saturday funerals are rarely available. To allow time for coordination among the family, funeral home, clergy, liturgical ministers, musicians, and the parish calendar, funerals are typically not scheduled within the first seven days after contacting the parish.

For parishioners, our Manna Ministry can also help provide hospitality following the funeral. When space is available, volunteers may assist with a reception in either the Forum or the St. Joseph Room, offering refreshments and a welcoming gathering space for family and friends. This provides an opportunity for loved ones to share memories, support one another, and experience the care of the parish community.

Funeral Liturgy Fees

The following fees help cover the costs associated with the funeral liturgy:

• Sanctuary Fee: $250 (credit card payments accepted)

• Musician Fee: $200

• Clergy Honorarium: Appreciated but entirely optional

Please note that fees other than the sanctuary fee must be paid by cash or check.

Urns

• Adult Urn: $300

• Infant Urn: $50

Pre-Planning a Funeral Liturgy

Pre-planning a funeral is a thoughtful gift to your loved ones and can provide peace of mind for the future. Many families find comfort in knowing their wishes have already been documented, eliminating uncertainty during a time of grief.

If you would like to pre-plan your funeral liturgy, please email Sarah Kellie at sarahk@stjosephcc.net. Current reading and music selections can be provided, along with guidance for documenting your wishes. Completed plans may be kept with important documents such as your will, power of attorney, and advance directives.

It is a privilege for our parish to accompany families during times of illness, loss, and remembrance. The Church is here to offer prayer, guidance, and the hope of Christ's Resurrection as you navigate this difficult journey.