If you have just experienced the loss of a loved one, we offer our sincere condolences.  In this time of difficulty, we hope to assist you in prayer and in planning a funeral in collaboration with one of the local funeral homes.

Because of our belief not only in the immortality of the soul but also in the resurrection of the body, the Church professes hope in the face of death and acts with charity in the funeral rites.

Since most people do not frequently plan funerals, it can be hard to know what to do when a loved one dies. At the time of death, one should contact the funeral home with which one has pre-arranged services or which one prefers to use if no pre-arrangements have been made. The funeral home takes the lead, helping you to arrange all necessary details for the care of the deceased and for the funeral rites. After you meet with the funeral home staff, they will contact our parishes to arrange a time for the funeral.

Not long after meeting with the funeral director, members of the family meet with the priest or deacon who will officiate at the funeral. This is a time to plan the funeral itself. The most important part of the planning is the selection of Scripture readings. A funeral liturgy includes one reading from the Old Testament, one reading from a New Testament book, and one reading from a Gospel. Please choose from the Church's selection of Funeral Readings. To see a list of approved Funeral Readings See Below. Families will often have a wake service at the funeral home the evening before the funeral. This is an opportune time to visit, to share memories, and to comfort one another. Families may also have a time of visitation in the church preceding the funeral. The wake service, visitation, and luncheon are the most appropriate times for friends and family members to speak in remembrance of the deceased. The funeral itself is a time to call on the Lord's grace and to remember the saving acts the Lord has accomplished for us, especially for the deceased. Jesus' Death and Resurrection have opened the way to eternal life! We come to pray for the soul of our departed brother or sister and to remember the promises of God's saving grace. It is possible to have a short remembrance toward the end of the funeral liturgy. By the time of the funeral, all the arrangements have been made, and all the family and friends need to do is pray.  Along with the Scripture readings above, the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy are wonderful prayers to offer for the dead and for the comfort of those who have lost loved ones. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief.

  "Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." Matt 28:20      

  Please read through the Funeral Guidelines for the Diocese of Duluth

Funeral Readings

Funeral Hymns