• Funeral Planning
  The Roman Catholic Church believes that the death of a Christian is the end of the earthly pilgrimage and the beginning of a new and eternal life with God. The funeral liturgy celebrated is for both the living and the dead and is closely tied to the rites of Baptism, when the promise of eternal life in Christ is first given to those who believe.  The ritual symbols of water, the paschal candle, the pall, the journey to the altar, and the Word of God all recall the journey that begins with Baptism.
   Recognizing the difficulties faced by families and friends of the deceased in their time of loss and sorrow, Annunciation Church Bereavement Ministry offers guidance, support and prayers.
  The packets to assist families are located to the left acording to gender.
  Funeral Mass
  Funeral Masses are scheduled six days a week, Monday through Saturday; there are no funerals scheduled on Sundays, holidays or Church holy days. Funeral arrangements are usually coordinated by the Funeral Home.
  Vigil Service
   Vigils are generally scheduled at the same time the Funeral Mass is scheduled and usually take place the evening before the Funeral Mass. Vigil services are led by clergy or lay person and consist of a prayer service in memory of the deceased; recitation of the Rosary may be a part of that service.
  Word of God
   Through a designated contact, the family of the deceased is asked to select readings from the Old and New Testaments as well as the Universal Prayer within the Funeral Mass Packet.
  Universal Prayer
  Family members or friends are invited by the family to offer the intercessions following the homily.  The priest would introduce the prayer, then the selected reader would present the intercessions, and the priest would conclude the prayer. Please refer to the packet.
  Offertory
   Two family members or friends should be selected to take the gifts of bread and wine to the altar at the offertory.
  Eulogy / Words of Remembrance
   A eulogy is optional. Should a family wish to present one during the Funeral Mass, it is requested that there be only one speaker and the presentation last no more than five minutes. The priest will announce the appropriate moment for the presentation.
  Liturgical Music
  Sacred music has an integral role in the Mass of Christian burial, since it can console and uplift mourners while, at the same time, unite those gathered in faith and love.  Funeral music should express the Paschal Mystery and the Christian’s share in it.
  Sometime prior to the day of the Mass, the Music Director will contact the family to discuss the music.  One can prepare for this conversation by thinking of music selections sung at Sunday Mass that evoke comfort and consolation in the Paschal Mystery.
  The musicians from the parish (organist, pianist, and cantors) are the primary musicians for the Mass.  The participation of any third party (outside) musicians must be discussed with, and have the approval of the Pastor & Music Director in advance.