RITES OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
FuneralsCommending the Faithful Departed
A farewell to the deceased is their final commendation to God by the Church . . . By this final greeting “we sing for their departure from this life and separation from us, but also because there is a communion and a reunion. For even dead, we are not at all separated from one another, because we all run the same course and we will find one another again in the same place. We shall never be separated, for we live for Christ, and now we are united with Christ as we go toward him.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1690.
How to book
Your Funeral Director will contact the parish on your behalf, and together, we will find a mutually convenient day and time for the service. Once these details have been finalized with your Funeral Director, our parish team will reach out to arrange a meeting with your family. During this meeting, we will discuss important aspects such as music choices, scripture readings, and other necessary details.
While we understand that extraordinary circumstances may arise, we generally recommend a face-to-face meeting for a more personal touch. However, in exceptional situations, we can accommodate arrangements over the phone.
Cost
The contribution for a funeral at St Anne & St Joachim Parish is $650. This cost is incorporated into the account prepared for you by your funeral director.
Your payment directly supports the ongoing costs associated with the Parish and its Priests. Thank you for your generous support.
Choice of Service
A funeral is as much about the family and friends farewelling a loved one, as it is about the deceased. A Catholic service takes one of three forms:
The first option is a Funeral Service held in the church, which includes Introductory Rites, a Eulogy, a Liturgy of the Word, and a Final Commendation. The service concludes with a Rite of Committal at the Cemetery. Typically, the church service lasts 45 to 60 minutes, while the Committal takes about 5 or 10 minutes.
The second option is a Requiem Mass held in the church, incorporating a Liurgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion alongside the full funeral service. This service usually lasts 60 to 75 minutes, with a 5 or 10-minute Committal.
Your third choice is a Graveside Service at the cemetery, which includes a Blessing of the Grave, a Liturgy of the Word, and a Final Commendation and Committal. This service typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes.