Funerals

Dear bereaved family member or loved one,

On behalf of our parish family, I extend to you our condolences on the death of your beloved dear one. May the Good Shepherd welcome him or her into the fullness of Paradise. And may this same Jesus be you and your family's constant source of comfort and hope. Now, more than ever, it is important to remember that "we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thes. 4:14). Please see the information below to help you in process of planning a funeral Mass here at St. Francis Xavier, and may the upcoming funeral rites here sustain and comfort you in belief of everlasting life.

Fr. Marcoe, Pastor

Funeral Planning

Please contact our parish office at (717) 334-3919 to plan the funeral rites. Oftentimes in working with a funeral home, they will contact us on your behalf, and then one of our priests will reach out to you to plan the actual funeral liturgy. Or, if preferred, after reading the resources here first, you may instead fill out the "Funeral Liturgy Form" by clicking the link on this page. In your planning, we are here to assist you, and will help you through the planning process.

Order of Christian Funerals

The heavenly life of glory awaiting us, given through Christ’s death and resurrection, shines forth in the funeral rites.

The Order of Christian Burial may begin with a short Vigil (or Christian wake service). Once done in the home throughout the night, the vigil (from the Latin word meaning "to watch”) emphasizes the coming of the Lord through special prayers and Scripture readings prescribed by the Church for this occasion. The Vigil usually takes place the evening before (or perhaps the morning of the main funeral liturgy), often during the viewing in the funeral home with family and friends present. The rosary can also be prayed upon request at this time.

The Mass of Christian Burial follows with the body (or earthly remains) of the deceased present. During the Mass, the Eucharist is celebrated, instituted by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper the night before He died. In the Mass, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary, offered once for all, is made present in the bread and wine that become Christ's Body and Blood, offered in particular for the salvation of our deceased loved one. How comforting to recall our Lord's promise that "he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6: 54). A Mass in the church is highly encouraged for Catholics. However, the family may request a Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass to take place in the funeral home.

Following the funeral, the Rite of Committal takes place at the cemetery. For Catholics, it is essential for the body (or earthly remains) of the faithful departed to be buried in hallowed ground — for, it is from there that we await the return of Jesus Christ in glory at the end of time for the Final Judgement and the Resurrection of the Dead.

It is during the above funeral rites that the bereaved experience the love and support of the Catholic Church as the family of God.

Cemetery

St. Francis Xavier has a parish cemetery located along West High Street (between West Street and South Howard Avenue). Please contact Susan Thresher in the parish office to purchase burial plots, or for any related questions. For Catholics, one's earthly remains are to be respectually interred in hallowed ground, a mausoleum or columbarium — for this is befitting what was a living temple of the Holy Spirit.

Cremation

Cremation is permitted by the Catholic Church as we await the resurrection of the body at the end of time. It is not permitted to keep the earthly remains at home or to scatter them.

Liturgical Ministries

The family of the deceased may request that others assist during the funeral Mass in such liturgical roles as Altar Server and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. This is permitted for practicing Catholics who are properly trained for these roles. In addition, the family may choose one or two people who are Christians to serve as a Lector (reader) for the Scripture readings and General Intercessions. Otherwise, parishioners of St. Francis Xavier will assist as needed.

Gift Bearers

It is fitting for the faithful’s participation to be expressed by their presenting both bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist. Because of our strong belief that these elements will be changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, only Catholics are to present these gifts, chosen by the family in advance.

Liturgy of The Word

The Liturgy of the Word is an integral part of the Catholic Funeral Liturgy. Since the Word of God teaches about the real meaning of Christian death, non-Scriptural readings are not permitted. The Scripture readings chosen are meant to instruct the assembly about the meaning of the death of this Christian in light of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the connection between Christian death and the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. The family of the deceased can make a selection of readings from the Order of Christian Funerals. Please see the following to select your funeral readings.

Environment

Flower arrangements are permitted in the church, and are generally to be taken following the funeral. In keeping with the atmosphere of Lent, flowers are not permitted in the church during this liturgical season.

Music

Music is integral to the funeral rite. Selections should be music familiar to the community, reflecting that of the Sunday Mass. Selections are made with the assistance of the priest or his delegate. Please note, only liturgical music of a sacred character is permitted in the funeral Mass. Other non-liturgical music may be more appropriate at a funeral luncheon. In observance of the guidelines from "Music in Catholic Worship”, the music is led by a trained cantor from the parish, who, along with the parish organist, leads the participation of the assembly. A cantor must be trained and approved. To come, selections for your Funeral Music.

Clergy

The pastor and parochial vicar of St. Francis Xavier are responsible for parish funerals and are the usual main celebrants. The family may choose the priest celebrant from St. Francis Xavier. However, with permission from the Pastor, other Catholic priests may preside, concelebrate or preach. Clergy of other denominations have a limited role during Mass, but may offer a prayer or words of remembrance during the final commendation. They may proclaim Scripture, offer prayers or speak during a non-Eucharistic funeral service, the Vigil, or other graveside service.

Reception of Holy Communion

The reception of Holy Communion signifies faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread and wine. Because of the unfortunate differences which still divide Christians with regard to understanding the Eucharist, only practicing Catholics who are not conscious of serious (mortal) sin may receive Holy Communion. If needed, it is recommended for those Catholics in need of Reconciliation (Confession) to do so before the funeral Mass.

Words of Remembrance

Words of remembrance (eulogy) may be shared with the congregation by one person immediately before the funeral Mass begins. Out of respect for the family and solemnity of the occasion, a maximum of ten minutes will be allowed. Others wishing to speak, may do so with the permission of the family at the viewing (time of visitation) at the funeral home, or at the funeral luncheon. The reflection should reflect the Christian qualities of the deceased and the witness he or she gave to life.

We as Catholics believe not only in the immortality of the soul, but also in the resurrection of the body. And so, we profess hope in the face of death through the funeral rites. In this time of grief, the Church provides prayers to accompany you in the dying of your loved one, and to strengthen your faith upon his or her death.

May God's peace be with you.

An Overview of Catholic Funeral Rites

The Meaning Behind the Rite

Select Your Funeral Readings

To come - Select Your Funeral Music

Prayers for Death and Dying

Funeral Mass Form

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Country

(###)

###

####

Name of the Deceased

First Name

Last Name

Type of Funeral Liturgy

There are different kinds of liturgies offered for the deceased. A Memorial Mass is when a burial has already taken place. If you are not sure what kind of liturgy you desire or need to have, do not hesitate to contact us.

The remains of the deceased will be in:

For Funeral Liturgy

Date of Funeral Liturgy or Memorial Mass

YYYY

Time of Funeral Liturgy / Memorial Mass

Hour

Minute

Second

Church or Place of Funeral

Please give the full name of the place (with the city, state and zip in parentheses) If it is St. Francis Xavier Historic Church, you can simply write 'St. Francis Xavier'

Date of Burrial

YYYY

Time of Burrial

Hour

Minute

Second

Place of Burrial (i.e. Cemetery)

Please give the full name of the place (with the city, state and zip in parentheses) If it is the parish cemetery, you can simply write 'St. Francis Xavier Cemetery;

Funeral Home

Please give the full name of the place (with the city, state and zip in parentheses)

First Reading

Please check the linked button on this page which provides the references for all the readings for Mass: Outside of Easter: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/bereavement-and-funerals/old-testament-readings During Easter: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/bereavement-and-funerals/new-testament-readings-during-easter-time

Person Proclaiming First Reading

If you would like someone from the parish staff to proclaim the readings, leave this blank.

First Name

Last Name

Responsorial Psalm

Please check the linked button on this page which provides the references for all the readings for Mass

Second Reading

Please check the linked button on this page which provides the references for all the readings for Mass: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/bereavement-and-funerals/new-testament-readings

Person Proclaiming Second Reading

If you would like someone from the parish staff to proclaim the readings, leave this blank.

First Name

Last Name

Gospel

Person Reading the Intercessions

The Prayer of Intercessions takes place after the homily. If you would like the celebrant himself to read them, leave this blank.

First Name

Last Name

Names of the Pall Bearers

Entrance Hymn