St. Bartholomew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church -

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- In our Catholic faith, we believe that death is not the end. Because of the infinite love of God for each one of us, he sent his Son, Jesus Christ to open the doors of Heaven for us through his death and resurrection. Though the death of a loved one is a painful and sorrowful time, we take comfort in the knowledge that God is near and that he has prepared a place for each one of us in his eternal Kingdom.
  
  The Funeral service is an opportunity to find comfort in our hope in the Resurrection, to commend our loved ones to the hands of God, and to honor and celebrate their lives. If the time comes for you to say goodbye to a loved one, we are here to accompany you through this difficult time and to help you plan a beautiful funeral Mass or service that will serve as a fitting remembrance of their life and a reminder of our hope in the Resurrection.
- "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and those crushed in spirit God will save."
  
  PSALM 34:18
planning the funeral mass
- Please note: In order for a funeral program to be completed for the funeral Mass, we must receive your readings and music selections at least 48 hours prior to the funeral. Special circumstances can be discussed with the parish coordinator of the funeral.
  
  1. Selecting Readings for the Mass
  Two readings may be chosen by the family for the funeral Mass. The links provided below include the options that may be chosen for the Mass. Note that there are a different set of readings to be chosen for the First Reading if the funeral occurs during the Easter season (March 31-May 19, 2024). Readers may be chosen from family or friends to proclaim each of the readings at the Mass. Click here for information on being a reader for a Funeral Mass.
  Options for First Reading
  Options for First Reading during Easter season
  Options for Second Reading
  
  2. Selecting Music for the Mass
  Click here to see a playlist of options for hymns at the funeral Mass. One hymn from each of the following categories may be chosen.
  Opening Hymn
  Offertory Song (during the Preparation of the Altar)
  Communion Song
  Closing Hymn
  
  3. Selecting Participants for the Mass
  
  Note: If the family does not wish to select a participant for each one of these roles, please rest assured that we have funeral ministers who can serve at the Mass in any capacity, including proclaiming the Mass readings. These are simply opportunities for your family to be involved in the funeral however you desire.
  
  At the baptismal font at the beginning of Mass:
  Placing of the Pall (white cloth that covers the casket)
  Placing of the Cross (on the casket at the beginning of Mass)
  Reader for the First Reading
  Reader for the Second Reading
  Reader for the Prayers of the Faithful
  Gift Bearers (during the Offertory/Preparation of the Gifts)
  This can be done by anyone, but it is often a good way for children to be involved.
  Words of Remembrance (Eulogy)
  This is an optional element. A remembrance is typically read at the beginning of the service immediately after the opening hymn. If you choose to offer a remembrance, we ask that it remain around or under 5 minutes in length, and that the speaker bring a physical copy of their notes (rather than improvising a speech).
  
  When it comes to a funeral Mass with the cremated remains of your family member:
  The urn or other receptacle are placed on a table in the sanctuary before Mass begins. Therefore there is no placing of a Pall of a Cross.
- “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places . . . I am going to prepare a place for you . . . And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be."
  
  JOHN 14:2-3