Christian Funeral Rites at Saint Monica–Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” — John 11:25
The death of a loved one is a time of sorrow, prayer, and Christian hope. Saint Monica–Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish accompanies families in praying for the deceased and entrusting them to the mercy of God.
To arrange a funeral, please contact the Parish Office before confirming a date or time with family and friends.
GUIDELINES FOR THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS
Saint Monica–Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish
Archdiocese of San Francisco
Christian funerals are a liturgical celebration of the Church through which the deceased is commended to the mercy of God, his or her body is honored with Christian reverence, and family and friends are offered the consolation of the hope of the Resurrection (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1684–1690; Code of Canon Law, can. 1176).
These guidelines are intended to foster a funeral celebration that is reverent, prayerful, and truly centered on the Church’s liturgy.
1. Ordinary Form of the Funeral Rites
The parish ordinarily celebrates the Funeral Rite Outside Mass, in accordance with the Order of Christian Funerals.
Ordinarily, this rite will be presided over by a priest or deacon, will take place in the church, and will last approximately thirty to forty minutes.
The specific form of the celebration will be determined by the parish, taking into account pastoral circumstances and the availability of its ministers.
2. Scheduling and Coordination
Funeral arrangements must be coordinated in advance with the parish office, normally through the funeral home.
The date, time, location, and all other details of the celebration are considered confirmed only after receiving the express approval of the parish. They should not be announced or printed before such confirmation has been received.
The celebration will begin promptly out of respect for other parish liturgies and activities.
3. Rite of Committal at the Cemetery
The funeral celebration in the church does not automatically include the presence of a parish minister at the cemetery.
If the Rite of Committal is requested, it must be arranged separately and is subject to pastoral availability. It may be presided over by either a priest or a deacon.
4. Sacred Scripture Readings
The readings shall be chosen from the biblical texts prescribed by the Church for Christian funerals.
Biblical readings may not be replaced by poems, personal letters, literary selections, or any other non-biblical writings.
5. Liturgical Music and Musicians
Music is an integral part of the Church’s liturgy and should foster prayer, reverence, and Christian hope (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 112).
The hymns and other musical selections will ordinarily be provided by cantors, organists, and musicians supplied or approved by the parish.
All musical selections must receive prior approval.
The following are not permitted during the liturgy:
– secular or commercial music;
– songs incompatible with the sacred nature of the liturgy;
– prerecorded accompaniment or playback tracks;
– music played from cell phones, computers, USB drives, or other electronic devices;
– musical performances intended as tributes or entertainment.
Songs that hold special significance for the family but are not suitable for the liturgy may be used during the reception following the funeral or at another gathering outside the church.
6. Eulogies and Words of Remembrance
The funeral liturgy is the Church’s prayer for the deceased and is not a civil memorial service.
As parish policy, eulogies, biographical speeches, personal testimonies, poems, tributes, and audiovisual presentations are not included during the liturgical celebration.
Family members and friends are encouraged to share words of remembrance during the vigil service, at the funeral home, during the reception following the funeral, or in another appropriate setting.
7. Flowers, Photographs, and Personal Items
Flowers are welcome and should be placed in the locations designated by the parish.
One photograph of the deceased may be displayed in the location designated by the parish, but never on the altar or within the sanctuary.
Personal memorabilia, posters, sports equipment, flags, decorative displays, or other items unrelated to the sacred liturgy may not be placed within the sanctuary.
When the funeral is celebrated in the presence of cremated remains, the urn shall be placed with dignity in the location prepared by the parish.
8. Presentations, Photography, and Recording
Slideshows, videos, photographic presentations, and projections are not permitted during the liturgy.
Photography and video recording may be done only discreetly, from the location designated by the parish, and in a manner that does not interrupt the liturgy or distract the assembly.
9. Conduct Within the Church
Out of reverence for the presence of God and the sacred character of the liturgy, all present are asked to maintain silence and a prayerful atmosphere, silence their mobile phones, avoid unnecessary conversation and movement, and follow the directions of the celebrant and parish staff.
10. Holy Mass for the Deceased
The family may request that a Holy Mass for the eternal repose of the deceased be celebrated at a later date, according to the parish schedule and availability.
11. Suggested Offerings and Honoraria
The following suggested offerings help support the parish’s ministry and offset the expenses associated with the celebration of Christian funerals.
Suggested Parish Offerings
– Funeral home visitation and blessing: $200
– Funeral Rite in the church (without Mass): $200
– Rite of Committal at the cemetery: $200
– If all three services are requested: Suggested offering of $430
Musician’s Fee
– Organist: $350
– Cantor: $350
For all matters related to music, families should contact Anthony Zeitz at music@smstaparishsf.org
In accordance with canon 1181 of the Code of Canon Law, no one will be denied Christian funeral rites because of financial hardship. Families experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to contact the parish office in confidence so that appropriate pastoral arrangements may be made.
12. The Christian Meaning of the Funeral Rites
The purpose of Christian funerals is to commend the deceased to the mercy of God, pray for his or her eternal rest, proclaim Christ’s victory over death, and console the faithful with the hope of everlasting life.
These guidelines apply equally to all families requesting this ministry at Saint Monica–Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish and are intended to foster funeral celebrations that are truly liturgical, dignified, and centered on the prayer of the Church.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Rev. Javier Olivera Ravasi, SE
Parochial Administrator
Saint Monica / Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish
Archdiocese of San Francisco