A message from our Pastoral Staff
On behalf of the clustered parishes of Saint Anne and Saint Charles parish community, we extend our condolences on the death of your loved one. May the Christian Funeral Rites, our care and our prayer, bring you consolation and peace.
At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of baptism
And strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the
Deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end nor does it break
The bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles
Them in the funeral rites with the comforting word of God and the sacrament of
Eucharist. (Order of Christian Funerals #4)
We invite you to review these materials for the celebration of a funeral at our Church. We will be happy to address your questions and concerns.
Saint Anne Parish office 734-289-2910
Saint Charles Parish office 734-586-2531
We invite you to download and review the materials below for the celebration of a funeral at our Church. We will be happy to address your questions and concerns.
Funeral Liturgy Information Form
General Intercessions – Prayer of the Faithful
Wake / Vigil Service
Family members are encouraged to take an active part in the funeral rites that begin with the Celebration of the Wake or the Vigil for the Deceased which is usually the evening before the funeral/memorial service. The Vigil/Wake Service is conducted by someone from the parish, deacon, priest, or pastoral staff who is prepared for this ministry.
The Wake Service includes a call to prayer in word or song, a proclamation of the word of God, and prayers of intercession. Remarks of remembrance or a eulogy in honor of the deceased person are invited and encouraged. This is the proper setting for eulogizing. The Scripture Service concludes with a blessing.
Devotional prayers, such as the Rosary or parts of the Rosary may also be included. At the vigil or wake service, the Christian community “keeps watch’ with the family in Prayer to the God of mercy and finds strength in Christ’s presence.
Outline of the Funeral Mass
ꝉ Introductory Rites
Greeting and Prayer
Sprinkling with Holy Water
Placing of the Pall
Placing of the Christian Symbol
Procession to the Altar
ꝉ Liturgy of the Word
Readings
Homily
General Intercessions
ꝉ Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Altar
Presentation of the Gifts
ꝉ Final Commendation
Prayer
Silence
Song of Farewell
Prayer of Commendation
ꝉ Procession to the place of committal
Arranging the Funeral
The Funeral Home will contact the parish office to arrange the date and time for the funeral liturgy. A member of the pastoral staff will contact the family representative of the deceased to confirm the time and arrangements for the funeral liturgy. The parish office will contact the appropriate individuals involved in your service.
The funeral liturgy, the Mass, takes place in the church. The family may also elect to have the body lie in-state one hour before the funeral liturgy.
Weekday funerals are ordinarily scheduled for 11 am. Saturday funerals are scheduled for 10 am, unless it is First Saturday which would result in an 11 am Funeral Mass. If there are two funerals on the same day, the second one is usually scheduled for 1 pm.
The family is encouraged to participate fully in the funeral liturgy. Materials in this packet will help you make your selection for readings and music. Care should be taken in choosing readers who can read publicly with poise. Staff is available to help you with planning, or do the planning, if you prefer. A family member should bring the completed form to the parish office in a timely manner.
Cremation
Although the Catholic teaching continues to prefer burial or entombment of the body of the deceased, cremation is now permitted. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for its funeral rites and that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body. However, with special permission, the Bishops of the United States and the Holy See have authorized the celebration of a Catholic funeral liturgy with the cremated remains when the body is cremated before the funerals.
The practices of scattering cremated remains on the sea or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. The Order of Christian Funerals (417) clearly states that an appropriate, worthy container such as a classic urn is proper for the cremated remains, and the remains are to be properly interned in a cemetery or columbarium. Ashes may not be divided among various family members, or preserved in mementos, pieces of jewelry or other objects.
Funeral Luncheon Hospitality
In Christian hospitality, and as possible, we offer service in providing funeral refreshments at both of our parishes. We hope you experience our care and our prayers for you and your loved one during this difficult time. God Bless You!
Saint Anne Funerals
The Saint Anne Women’s Club will host desserts and beverages in the Community Hall after the service to all registered members of Saint Anne Parish. Monetary donations are accepted. They will also assist in serving any catered food that is provided by the family. Please let the funeral home or parish office that know that you are interested.
Saint Charles Funerals
The Saint Charles Funeral Luncheon Committee provides a full luncheon including chicken, meatballs, ham, sauerkraut, potatoes, sides and desserts, as well as beverages. This luncheon is available for a minimum of 75 people for all registered members of Saint Charles Parish. The charge is $8 per person. Please let the funeral home or parish office know that you are interested.
Additional donations to our Funeral Luncheon Ministries are always appreciated.