The Apostle Paul tells us that “We do not grieve like others who have no hope.” From these words we learn two things, first that we most certainly have hope in Jesus Christ, but that even so, we still grieve. Yet our losses are always tempered with the hope of faith. These pages are to help you prepare for the rituals usually associated with the death of a loved one. Whether you are planning your own funeral or a funeral for someone else, the process reminds us of the finality of death, and the pain associated with letting go. As parish staff, it is our hope to hold out to you the promise of hope in Jesus Christ, and a helping hand, to help you through this time of loss, pain, and transition. Be assured that you will be in our prayers during this difficult journey from death to life.

What is involved and where do we start?

No matter how prepared we are to lose a loved one, there is always shock. Begin by making two phone calls:

1. The mortuary who will be handling the arrangements.
2. The St. Joseph Parish Office: 952-935-0111.

Both places will most likely ask basic questions such as who the deceased is, contact information for relatives who will handle legal and personal matters, and where the deceased is.

Meet with the mortuary staff

Once the body has been taken to the mortuary, you will need to have a meeting with the mortuary staff. Here you will discuss burial options, possible funeral days, obituary items, notification issues and other pertinent issues. They will help you with legal matters such as social security, death certificates, and other notification issues. With them you will schedule days and times for the funeral or memorial service, viewing times, and possible times for wake services. Remember, none of the activities involving the church building or the services provided by the church can be finalized until they have been confirmed with the church.

Meet with a parish staff member

This will usually be the priest, although the Pastoral Minister or deacon may handle this from time to time. Call the office at 952-935-0111 to schedule the meeting. Our parish secretary will be able to put you in touch with the appropriate person. At the meeting, many things will be discussed. This is often a hard meeting for those in grief, but we will do our best to guide you through the process. Here are some of the things that will be discussed:

• Scripture readings:
  We will give you several options you may choose from. You may have some of your own, which is quite permissible. In general, one reading will be from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament (letters), and one from the Gospels.
• Music Selection:
  We will assist you in selecting appropriate music for the funeral.
  Specifically we will look at:
  • an opening litany or hymn,
  • a Psalm,
  • a hymn, solo, or anthem for the preparation of the gifts
  • a hymn, solo, or anthem for communion
  • a closing hymn
• Musicians:
  Typically we have a volunteer choir, an organist, and a cantor. The organist and cantor are usually one of the parish musicians. Even if you have a soloist, we strongly recommend using one of the parish cantors, as they understand the liturgy and help guide the congregation’s response. In addition to the cantor, you may have a soloist, if you wish. The fees for our musicians are listed later in the document.
• Involvement in the funeral liturgy:
  For the liturgy, you may have the following:
  • People (usually family) for placing the pall on the casket
  • Up to 2 lectors
  • Someone to read the petitions (may be done by a lector)
  • Gift Bearers

  Most of these ministries can be filled by parish staff or members, but should you have family members or friends who wish to serve in these ministries, that is wonderful.

• Parish fees:
  

  Building fee:	$125.00
  Organist:	$150.00
  Cantor:	$150.00

Prices subject to change.

• Other:
  The funeral need not be the entire ritual. Often there is a wake service, which involves prayers, opportunities for sharing, and opportunities for a wide variety of expressions that may not be appropriate at the funeral itself. This service is led by one of our volunteer BeFrienders. This is arranged through the mortuary or parish staff person.
• Funeral Luncheon:
  St. Joseph’s Funeral Lunch Committee offers a luncheon service for the grieving family. The committee will serve whatever the family provides. Suggestions and contact names are offered in the funeral luncheon pamphlet. The pamphlet is available from the mortuary or parish staff member.
• Recorded Music:
  The diocese Worship office strongly discourages the use of recorded music in worship. We do not have the ability to play music through our sound system, and copyright laws significantly restrict the use of recorded music at public functions.

“ Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace,
according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation… ”

Luke 2:29-30