Funerals

At the time of death, please have a family member call the church office at (254) 773-1561. This is so that we may pray with you for the family and the deceased. We will work with you and the funeral home to plan the services and schedule the priest (or deacon) and liturgical ministers. We will work with the church’s calendar and set a time together. It is also helpful if you provide us with the names of the surviving spouse and next of kin so that we may share information about the family and funeral services with the parish through our web site and internet addresses.

After the Second Vatican Council in 1965, the church revised its rites. In 1969, the Order for Christian Funerals was revised becoming a three-part liturgy. The first part is the Vigil for the Deceased, the second the Funeral Mass, and the third, the Rite of Committal. In 1988, the United States received approval for their edition of the ritual.

The Vigil for the Deceased may be celebrated at a funeral home or in the church proper. This part of the funeral has received the most attention because of some changes. The rosary recitedby the family while the priest said the prayers in Latin, has been replaced. Now, since 1969, the vigil is a service of Scripture, a homily, songs, petitions/prayers and a eulogy by family members or friends. Now that the ritual is in the vernacular language, all are able to participate and understand the Wake Service. Families may still have the devotional prayer of a rosary, however it is usually led by a deacon or lay people. The church requires a priest or deacon to do the Funeral Vigil.

For the Funeral Mass, Christian symbols (cross, bible, rosary, scapular, etc.) may be placed on the casket at the beginning of the Funeral Mass. All secular items, like flags or medals of honor are important, but not part of the Funeral Mass. These secular and important symbols are removed at the church door and a pall placed over the casket. This symbolizes our unity in Christ through our baptism. Only Christian symbols are used within a church.

At the end of the Communion Rite of Mass, a “Song of Farewell” is sung before the body/casket and family leave for the cemetery. At the cemetery, the Rite of Committal is celebrated, ending the three-part liturgy. After the liturgies, if the parish hall is available, you are welcome to return to the parish for a reception that the Bereavement Committee of our St. Lukes Women's Society will provide.

There are some misconceptions about who may have a Catholic funeral. A person who has committed suicide may have the Order for Christian Funerals. A child who has not been baptized and has died before baptism may also have a funeral. Even a non-baptized adult may have a Funeral Mass, since it is for the living family members that we celebrate Eucharist. This is, of course, unless the non-baptized would have been publicly opposed to this.

One may be cremated now; however, it is still preferable to have the body present for psychological and theological reasons. The cremation may be done at a later time. Parishioners at St. Luke Parish may also choose to use the Columbarium on parish grounds as their final resting place. Also, funeral directors have let it be known to our parish staff that they want to provide the most affordable funeral and assistance.

If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to call the parish office to make an appointment with the pastor.
 

• Click here for Funeral Liturgy Outline

• Click here for Funeral Liturgy Scripture Readings

• Click here for Funeral Liturgy Music