Funerals


If you are reading this and have recently lost a loved one, we offer our condolences to you. 

A funeral is a time of sadness and mourning. But for Catholics it is also a time to rejoice, for the Lord Jesus has 
won a great victory over death and made
 it possible for us to pass through to new and eternal life. This is our unwavering hope.

In a Catholic funeral we pray that our deceased brother or sister be admitted into paradise. We also derive strength from family and friends and lend our support to others in what can be a very difficult time.

If you are making arrangements for the funeral of a relative or friend, St. Joseph will can help you choose the appropriate elements to make it a meaningful celebration of trust and hope in Jesus Christ. Please have the funeral home director making arrangements for your loved one contact our parish office at 
(830) 663-2244. 


Outline of the Average Catholic Funeral

A. VIGIL FOR THE DECEASED

B. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

Introductory rites:
◗ Greeting, sprinkling of casket or cremains with holy water, placing of the pall (if customary), the entrance procession, placing of Christian symbols (if desired), and opening prayer.

Liturgy of the Word:
◗ First reading, responsorial psalm, second reading, homily, general intercessions
◗ Liturgy of the Eucharist continues on as it normally does at any Mass, until after Communion.

Final commendation:
◗ Prayer and silence, signs of farewell (incensation of casket or cremains and sprinkling with holy water), song of farewell, prayer of commendation, and procession to the place of committal (burial).

C. RITE OF COMMITTAL
◗ Scripture verse, prayer over place of committal, committal, intercesions, Our Father, concluding prayer, prayer over the people, dismissal.
When burial 

After burial
First and foremost, we show our love for the dead through our prayer. A centuries-old custom is to celebrate a Mass for the deceased on the one-month anniversary of his or her death, called a Month’s Mind Mass. Into the future, it is also customary to arrange for Mass intentions for the deceased, perhaps on their birthday, anniversary or death date. We can also obtain indulgences for them, such as the indulgence available for visiting a cemetery during November, a month the Church traditionally sets aside to pray for the dead. Stop by the St. Joseph Parish office to schedule a mass intention in memory of your loved one.