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St. Matthew

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Funeral Planning

St. Matthew > About Our Parish > Funeral Planning

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please be assured of our prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. 

Below you will find several documents to assist you in choosing the readings, music, and Prayers of the Faithful for a Catholic Funeral Mass at St. Matthew. Our staff is here to help with any questions that arise as you plan. 

Scripture Readings

Please refer to the Funeral Readings document below.

  • You may choose up to three readings:
    • One Old Testament reading
    • One New Testament reading (from Paul’s letters or Revelation)
    • One Gospel
  • The minimum number of readings is two, including one Gospel.
    • You do not have to choose both an Old Testament and a New Testament reading, but please choose at least one of them.
  • Please also choose readers for the Old and New Testament readings. The Gospel will be proclaimed by the priest or deacon celebrating the Mass.

Responsorial Psalm

Please refer to the Responsorial Psalms document

  • Choose one Responsorial Psalm and refrain (where appropriate) to be sung by the cantor at the Funeral Mass. 

Prayers of the Faithful

Please refer to the Prayers of the Faithful document

  • There are two different pages of Prayers of the Faithful (numbered at the bottom).
  • Choose one page. We will personalize these prayers together when we meet to finalize the liturgy. 
  • Please choose one person to read the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass. 

Information Sheet

An information sheet is also linked below.

  • Please provide as much detail as you can about your loved one’s life, personality, and faith.
  • Stories, memories, and important facts are especially helpful; they assist the priest in preparing a personal and meaningful homily. 
  • Please bring the information sheet typed or clearly written when we meet. 

Music and Hymns

You will be asked to choose four hymns:

  1. Opening
  2. Offertory
  3. Communion
  4. Sending (recessional)

Please see the suggested music and hymns document below for ideas.

  • You may choose from these suggestions or ask about other hymns that are meaningful to your family. 
  • If you would like a hymn that is not on the list, please let us know. We will consult with the music director to see if we can accommodate your request. In most cases, we are able to do so. 

Presentation of the Gifts

At the Offertory, you may choose how the gifts (bread and wine) are brought to the altar. 

  • You can select up to two people (ages 10 and older) to bring up the gifts. 
  • If you prefer, the elements may be placed on the altar beforehand and not brought up in the procession. 

Family Worksheet and Eulogy

We have also provided a Worksheet for Family, which is used to write out the plan for the Funeral Mass.

  • Some families find it helpful to have this worksheet in advance while they talk and pray together about the details.
  • If your family chooses to include a eulogy, please note:
    • The eulogy will take place before the Funeral Mass begins.
    • We respectfully ask that remarks be limited to one speaker and five minutes in length.

Walking with You

Please remember that you are not alone in this. Our clergy and staff are honored to accompany you as you prepare to commend your loved one to God’s loving care.

If you have any questions as you review these materials or make your selections, please contact Allyson Casingal, acasingal@stmatthewcatholic.org, or the parish office. It will be our joy to assist you and to help you plan a beautiful, prayerful Funeral Mass.