Funerals: information
Condolences for the loss of your loved one. St. Edwin church offers funeral
services for all of its members. Additionally, we open our doors to family of
parishioners and others who seek a specifically Catholic service to honor
their deceased relative or friend. Typical funeral days are Tuesday through
Friday in the morning. Below you can see our most easily-scheduled
arrangement. You are welcome to ask for changes, but be prepared to wait
longer for a confirmation while we check the parish’s already busy schedule.
1. Preparations for the viewing and service may begin when we have
finished our regular morning Mass, around 8:45am. From that time
the funeral party may bring in the casket or urn, and place flowers to
the sides of the sanctuary. Please do not set anything on our baptismal
font.
2. The rosary customarily begins at 9:30am. The parish will provide
somebody to lead it from the ambo.
3. The Funeral Mass typically starts at 10:00am. We will provide a
lector, with a theme selected by the funeral party beforehand from a
number of options. We also provide music for the Mass. Catholic
liturgical musicians from other parishes, adequately vetted, may be
requested.
4. Special tributes. Many people ask about the place for easels and
larger displays, video presentations, eulogies and favorite secular or
pop songs. The wake at the funeral home, time after the burial at the
cemetery and/or reception in the home or hall are all appropriate
times to personalize the passing of a loved one in these ways. We ask
for your understanding if we shy away from having the same things in
the church, where liturgy and prayer are fitting.
5. A word of discretion. St. Edwin’s is neither a secular morgue nor
a non-denominational funeral parlor. Please expect to hear a Catholic
sermon and a reminder of the requirements for the reception of Holy
Communion. At moments like these, it is normal for those who have
not been practicing their Catholic faith to experience complex and
sometimes difficult feelings. On another level, realize that not only are
visitors paying their respects to the deceased; they are also availing
themselves of the hospitality of our close-knit, family-oriented church.
As guests, be open to hearing a little bit about our parish home.
6. The burial follows. We usually have a deacon available for the
graveside service at the cemetery. Otherwise, the funeral home will be
able to help you.
7. Our hall is available for receptions afterwards. You are welcome to
come in early to bring food and decorate that morning. Preparations
may begin the day before if there is no other event taking place at that
moment. You may use the refrigerator and freezer to keep foods cold
beforehand. Bunsen burner chafing dishes for already-prepared food
work well. Actually cooking the food and use of our commercial stove
and oven are not permitted.
8. We can book a funeral once we have confirmation from the
cemetery that a grave or niche has been obtained, with the date and
time for the burial. From there you are welcome to visit the office and
complete the process.
Blessings as you honor your loved one during this difficult time. We
will do our best to accompany you and your family.