Funerals & Cemetery
Walking with you in faith, hope and prayer
The loss of someone we love can be an overwhelming time. As you grieve and begin making arrangements, please know that you do not have to navigate the days ahead alone. Our priests and parish staff are here to pray with you, answer questions and help you prepare a Funeral Mass that places your loved one in the merciful hands of God.
The Catholic funeral rites are an expression of our faith in the Resurrection and our hope in eternal life. Through prayer, Scripture, the Eucharist and the support of our parish community, we gather to remember the deceased and entrust our loved one to God.
Planning a Funeral
The first step is to contact the funeral home of your choice. The funeral director will work with your family to make tentative arrangements for the visitation, Rosary and Funeral Mass and will coordinate those arrangements with Sts. Peter & Paul.
A member of our parish staff will then contact your family to arrange a planning meeting with the priest and parish staff. This gives your family an opportunity to talk privately with the priest, share about the life of your loved one and ask questions.
During this meeting, we will walk with you through the details of the Mass of Christian Burial and Rite of Committal, including Scripture readings, music and opportunities for family and friends to participate.
The Catholic Funeral Rites
The Church accompanies families from the time of death through burial. Depending upon your family's arrangements, this may include the Prayer Vigil, Rosary, Mass of Christian Burial and Rite of Committal at the cemetery.
The Funeral Mass includes the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, followed by the Final Commendation as we entrust the deceased to God's mercy.
Scripture & Participation
Our parish staff will help your family select appropriate Scripture readings for the Funeral Mass. Family members or friends may be invited to proclaim the readings and Prayers of the Faithful.
There are also opportunities for family and friends to serve as altar servers or gift bearers. Don't worry about filling every role—we can help provide ministers when needed.
A Sacred Place for Prayer
When we enter the church for a funeral, our focus turns toward prayer, Christ and our hope in the Resurrection.
Photos, slideshows, videos and memorabilia are best shared during the visitation or gathering following the funeral rather than inside the church. Flowers are welcome and will be arranged so that the altar, tabernacle and other sacred areas remain unobstructed.
A brief Words of Remembrance may also be offered before the Funeral Mass in coordination with the parish.
Funeral Music
Music is an important part of the Catholic Funeral Liturgy, helping us pray and express our hope in Christ.
Our parish will help your family select sacred music appropriate for the Funeral Mass. Our Director of Sacred Music and parish musicians are also available to assist with the liturgy.
Because the Funeral Mass is an act of worship, only sacred music is used during the liturgy. Music that holds special personal meaning but is not appropriate for the liturgy may be used at the funeral home or another gathering.
Bereavement Meal
Our Bereavement Meal Ministry is honored to care for families following the funeral.
For registered Sts. Peter & Paul parishioners, the parish provides a meal for family and friends following the funeral at no cost to the family. Meals are held at the Knights of St. John Hall when the facility is available.
Parish staff will ask your family for an estimated number of guests so our volunteers can prepare the meal.
Remembering Those We Love
The people we love remain part of our lives long after they are gone. As Catholics, we find comfort in knowing that we can continue to pray for them and entrust them to God's loving care.
There are many ways to remember someone special. Visit the cemetery and spend time in prayer. Have a Mass offered in their memory. Pray for them at home or share their stories with the next generation. These simple acts of remembrance help us honor the lives of those we love and keep us connected through faith.
Throughout the year, and especially in November, our parish remembers and prays for those who have gone before us.
