WE PRAY FOR YOU

On behalf of Fr. Michael, our parish staff, and the entire St. Luke Parish family, we extend our sincere condolences to all who have lost a loved one. We pray that you may grieve with hope. May the Lord Jesus give you His peace and comfort during this difficult time in your life. Please let us know how we can help you.

The Funeral Mass is especially significant for Catholics. In this liturgy of thanksgiving, we commend our deceased brother or sister to God and pray with great hope that through the celebration of the Eucharist, they will enjoy eternal life in heaven. We know that planning a funeral for a loved one can be an overwhelming task, therefore, we wanted to make this process as easy as possible. We hope that the information will help to walk you through the entire process, assist you in planning the liturgy, and hopefully answer your questions.

A FEW POINTS TO HELP GUIDE YOU

Funeral planning usually takes place during a meeting between Fr. Michael and the family members of the deceased. If a funeral home is involved, they will assist the family in notifying the parish. If a funeral home is not involved, the family should contact the parish office at (908) 876-3515 to schedule a meeting to make the necessary arrangements.

In planning the Funeral Liturgy, the family is invited to:

- Select the Readings and Responsorial Psalm Refrain for the Funeral Mass. Family members are encouraged to read at the Funeral Mass. A selection of scripture readings for a funeral liturgy can be downloaded here: Funeral Readings
- Select the Prayer of the Faithful, which comes after the homily. One or more family members should read the general intercessions. A selection of intercessions for the Prayer of the Faithful can be downloaded here: Prayer of the Faithful
- Select the Hymns and Music for the Funeral Mass. A selection of the hymns can be found here: Funeral Music
- Select family members or friends of the deceased (at least two) to bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar.
- After gathering all the information, we will create a Mass program. Please provide a picture of the deceased to be included in the program.
- [if cremains are present] A picture of the deceased may be placed on the table next to the cremains during the Mass.
- [if a casket is present] A picture of your deceased loved one may be placed on an easel next to the altar during the Mass. Choose members of your family to place the pall, crucifix, and the Book of the Gospels. Their names can be mentioned in the Mass program. The pall is a large white cloth draped over the casket. It reminds us of our baptism when each of the baptized receives a white garment that signifies our dignity as sons and daughters of God. The pall also symbolizes that each person is equal in the eyes of an all-loving and merciful Father.
- Please provide the priest with some biographical information about the deceased that will help him in preparing the funeral homily.
- [Optional] Select a family member to offer Words of Remembrance. Please read the Guidelines.

GUEST PRIEST/DEACON

Guest clergy are always welcome to concelebrate (or assist in the case of a deacon) if he is in good standing. At the discretion of the parish priest, the guest priest/deacon may be permitted to preside at the Mass, give the homily, final commendation, and lead the service at the cemetery.

FUNERAL MUSIC

Music is integral to the funeral liturgy. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love. The texts of the songs chosen for a particular celebration should express the paschal mystery of the Lord's suffering, death, and triumph over death and should be related to the readings from Scripture (Order of Funerals, 30). Music at the Funeral Mass should be sacred in nature and appropriate to the liturgy. A selection of the hymns can be found here: Funeral Music