Funerals
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The information noted here describes how things were before Covid-19 and we hope and pray will be again.
The Funeral Mass Volunteer is expected to arrive to the funeral early in order to have enough time to do the following: set up the church (heat/cooling, lights, candles), set up everything the priest will need at the altar (his readings and everything for communion), place coverings as needed (for casket or urn), as well as be at the back of the church to greet the mourners as they arrive. You may also help with the incense and holy water as needed. If there are a number of people in the church, you may be expected to help give out communion. Also, you may be asked to do one of the readings, but you would be aware of this before the Mass.
One of the most important things we do at St. William’s Church is give care, guidance, and help during the emotional and stressful time of planning the funerals of loved ones. We make every effort to have our parishioners/families feel completely supported during this difficult time. With this in mind, we have two areas of the funeral process of which we need volunteers: Funeral Coordinator and Funeral Mass Volunteer. In addition, we also offer Funeral Receptions in our Hall.
Funeral Coordinator:
We currently have both a Lead and Back-up Coordinator, but would love to have one or two more people willing to take on this special role (training provided). It is very important to our parish that we give these families one caring contact person so they can have continuity throughout this difficult process, as well as having a familiar face be there from start to finish and anything in between.
When the Parish Office receives a call from a family member who has lost a loved one, they call the Funeral Coordinator who in turn sets up a time to meet with the family member(s), either at the church, in their home, or over coffee, essentially, wherever they feel most comfortable. At the time of the initial meeting, along with listening to their story, the Funeral Coordinator reviews several items/decisions they need to make depending on how they want to celebrate/honor their loved one. The booklet, Through Death to Life, is used as a guide as it has several options for readings and prayers if they are having a funeral Mass. The Funeral Coordinator gives the family a list to take home to think about and fill out concerning certain parts of the funeral Mass (readings choice, as well as choosing the people to do the readings and prayers, bring up the gifts, present a Eulogy etc.). If the family does not have people to fill these roles, the Funeral Coordinator will arrange for help from our parishioners. Depending on when the funeral is scheduled, another meeting and/or phone call takes place to get the neededinformation which allows the Funeral Coordinator to prepare a notebook for the presiding Priest, a notebook for the readers, as well as setup anything else the family may request.
If the local funeral home is involved, the Funeral Coordinator works with them on setting up that day and any other incidentals. If the family would like a rosary to be prayed, the Funeral Coordinator organizes it either at the funeral home or at the church. If the family decides they want a luncheon or gathering after Mass in the Parish Hall, the Funeral Coordinator contacts the Funeral Receptions Committee Leader to let them know the number of people to be served and any other pertinent information.
At the Mass, the Funeral Coordinator meets with the family, helps the Funeral Director set up the flowers, tables, etc., and makes sure everything is prepared, in coordination with the Funeral Mass Volunteers. They also meet with whoever is doing the readings, as well as who will be bringing up the gifts, to show them what they will need to do and when they will do it in the course of the Mass. The Funeral Coordinator is also involved with the processes concerning the incense and holy water.
If the person is being buried the day of the funeral, the Funeral Coordinator goes with the presiding Priest to the cemetery to be a helper, just in case. This happens as well if the family does not want a funeral Mass, but just wants to have something at the cemetery.
Funeral Mass Volunteer:
After Mass, you will clean the priest’s vessels and put them away. You will also put away the books, any special tables used, and do everything to close up the church (temperature, lights, candles).
There will, of course, be great training and a checklist given so you can feel completely ready for this role. There are currently 6 people who are Funeral Mass Volunteers, but it is always best to have more people trained due to availability conflicts.And finally, since you will be taking an important role in the Mass, we ask that you follow our Dress Code.
Does this sound like a CONNECTION you would like to add to your life? If so, please fill out the Sign-Up Form to sign-up and/or learn more about this CONNECTION.
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