We at All Hallows extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family at the death of your loved one. It is our hope that the following information will assist you in preparing a meaningful and prayerful funeral service.
If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Liturgy, Jennifer Michael at (858) 459-2975 or jennifer@allhallows.com.
Planning for a Funeral
Roman Catholics have special prayers and rites for the dead. The traditional funeral includes Mass with Eucharist.
Cremation
Roman Catholics may be cremated, if they wish. Diocesan Guidelines are available upon request.
Funeral Liturgy
The Funeral Liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased.
- Funeral Mass in the Church
- Funeral Liturgy outside Mass, i.e. Graveside
- If you are planning to go to the Cemetery the same day of the Funeral Mass, the interment should be scheduled for immediately after the Funeral Mass.
Readings
We have available a book “Through Death to Life” which will be most helpful in your planning. It contains appropriate readings from which you may choose, as well as other suggestions for designing a meaningful and personal funeral service for your loved one.
Eulogy
The Order of Christian Funerals is very clear that “a brief homily” (not a “eulogy”) should be given at the funeral liturgy. This does not mean that the deceased cannot be spoken about in the homily, but that the Word of God must be primary. The homilist speaks the scriptural word to help the assembly understand how the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus was operative in the life and death of the deceased.
Before the liturgy commences, a member of the family or a friend may speak in remembrance of the deceased (“eulogy”). This needs to be arranged with the Director of Liturgy when planning the funeral.
Only one or two persons may speak
The remembrance should be brief; (between 3 and 5 minutes total).
The remembrance should be well prepared by the friend/family member ahead of time so that it is focused, and does not exceed 5 minutes. (A written text is highly recommended.) If possible, a copy of the remembrance is to be given to the Director of Liturgy in time to review it before the funeral liturgy.
The Order of Christian Funerals also permits speaking in remembrance of the deceased at the vigil for the Deceased. In fact, this is a better time to offer remembrances for the deceased than in the funeral Mass.
Music
Music is an essential component of the Funeral Liturgy. All music and musicians must be approved by our parish Director of Liturgy, Jennifer Michael. In addition to our parish organist/pianist and cantor, the music may be supplemented with other instruments and/or voices. These additional musicians must be approved by the All Hallows Director of Liturgy. All financial arrangements are handled directly through them.
Guest Book
There is a podium at the entrance of the church on which you may place a guest book. If you are having your reception at All Hallows, the guest book may be brought to the Hall after the service.
Flowers
Flowers may be delivered to the church the day of the funeral. Because of limited space, some of the arrangements may be placed in the vestibule of the church. Flowers are never allowed to be placed directly on the altar.
Eucharistic Ministers
Currently, only our Priest is distributing Communion at Funeral Masses.
Picture of the Deceased
ONE photograph of the deceased is permitted in the vestibule of the church.
Reception
If you would like to have a reception in our Parish Hall please contact Jennifer Michael at (858) 459-2975 or jennifer@allhallows.com for availability. We will assist you regarding timing as well as catering options.
Stipends
It is customary to make an offering to the church on the occasion of a funeral. This offering is for the ongoing work of the parish and to cover expenses.
Additional fees and stipends associated with your funeral at All Hallows are paid directly to the following individuals (either in person or by mail):
- Director of Liturgy, Jennifer Michael: $185
- Cantor: $185
- Organist/Pianist: $185
- Altar Server (if required): currently unavailable
- A stipend for the priest is greatly appreciated.
- A donation to the church is also appreciated.