Funeral Guidelines for St. Jude Catholic Church

Faith assures us of life eternal.  May God strengthen your faith in this time of sorrow.  As Christian brothers and sisters we share your loss and are here to assist you in any way we can. - St. Jude Staff

Please contact the parish as soon as possible following the death of a loved one; preferably, before discussing arrangements and times of service with the funeral director.

The church offers three formal services, all or some of which may be used:

1. Vigil for the Deceased:  The evening before the funeral, a Vigil may be scheduled with visitation.  The vigil is held at the funeral home or the church.  Devotions such as the Rosary (may be undertaken by the family), and remembrances of the deceased (eulogy) are encouraged at this time. 
2. Visitation prior to Funeral Mass: In place of a vigil service, visitation is available to take place in the Narthex of the church prior to Mass. Pictures may be placed in the Narthex.  Hospitality and refreshments are offered by Parish staff and volunteers.  
3. Funeral Mass:  The Eucharist is the heart of the Paschal Mystery when we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and our participation in that mystery.  A celebration of the Mass is strongly encouraged for any Catholic who has dies, even though the family may not be Catholic.  On days when a Funeral Mass is not permitted, a prayer service is celebrated, such as Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The Mass is offered for the person who has died. (Eulogies are not appropriate during a Funeral Mass.) Usually, three scripture readings are proclaimed at a Funeral Mass.  There are suggested readings available which will be discerned with the family by a representative of the Parish Staff.  Members of the family and/or friends may proclaim these readings (except the Gospel) with training from the parish staff.  Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are provided by the parish but may be selected from family and/or friends that are active Eucharistic Ministers.   Other roles for family and friends include bringing the gifts of bread and wine to the presider.  The Director of Music will consult with the family on musical selections and requests. Flowers may be placed in the Narthex.  A small arrangement may be placed at the foot of the table holding the funeral urn.  No flowers can be placed around the coffin.  Artificial flowers are not allowed in the Church.
4.  Graveside Service: The Catholic graveside service complete the family Funeral Liturgy.  It is short but meaningful, includes a song, gospel reading by the officiant and significant solemn prayer and blessing.  The family and friends present are invited to bless the casket with the baptismal water as the loved one “crosses the waters” to eternity. • We highly recommend that all religious services take place at the church, especially if the deceased or his family is close to the parish.  We will work with the funeral home on these arrangements.  

•   Full liturgies with the urn present are now welcome in the Roman Catholic Church, which accepts cremation as a legitimate option. (CCC 2301) The church still urges that all cremains be reverently disposed of. 
• Visiting priests are welcomed to preside at funerals.  If they are outside the Diocese of Shreveport and presiding at the Mass, they will need to submit a Letter of Suitability from their bishop. 
• The Church does not charge for funerals.  At the family’s discretion, an offering is often made to the celebrant.  Please contact the Director of Music for information on offerings for the organist/cantor/musicians.