“The Church through its funeral rites
   commends the dead to God’s merciful love
   and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins…
   [and] brings hope and consolation to the living.”

– General Introduction to the Order of Christian Funerals, nos. 6-7
 

The staff at St. Joseph's will assist you in every way in planning the funeral for your loved one. Our Funeral Planning Guide will help you choose appropriate readings and music, and a meeting or conversation with the pastor or a member of the staff will help you complete the liturgy planning process. You may also choose to have visitation at the church prior to the Mass. Free use of St. Joseph's Hughes Hall is available (schedule permitting) as a way of expressing our support in your time of sorrow.

Please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible after the death of your loved one so that we may help you during your time of sorrow. One of the first steps for a Roman Catholic is to contact a priest so that last rites can be administered. The standard procedure for a funeral at St. Joseph Church is that a funeral director work with parish staff to set up the details of the visitation, funeral Mass or liturgy, interment, and luncheon. Normally the procedure is that, after news of death, the church and the funeral home are contacted first. The funeral home typically contacts the Parish Office to determine possible times and dates for a funeral Mass/Liturgy. Family members should then contact the Parish Office (330-274-2253) to arrange for a meeting or conversation with the priest or staff person to help choose scripture readings, hymns, and other details of the funeral liturgy.

Funeral Planning Steps

• Contact Parish to notify of death

• Set up meeting with funeral home director to make arrangements

• Pick up or download the Funeral Planning Guide, choose readings (one Old Testament, one New Testament, Gospel) & possible readers

• Choose Music (Opening Song, Responsorial Psalm, Preparation Song, Communion Song, Processional or Closing Song)

• Choose people to bring up gifts at Communion time

• Decide if someone will say Words of Remembrance

• Plan luncheon or reception arrangements
   

  Stipends
  All parishioners are entitled to our ministries without charge. Also, we would not exclude anyone who is not formally registered or has not been able to contribute financially to the parish. However, you may make arrangements with your funeral director for the customary offerings to the presider, musicians, altar servers, and church (one check is made out to the church and distributed appropriately).

Funeral Luncheons
We are in the process of re-organizing a Funeral Luncheon Ministry Team as part of our service to the bereaved. Graciously hosted by women of the parish who have dedicated themselves to helping grieving families in time of need, it is offered at no charge (donation greatly appreciated to help us continue this ministry). Volunteers will help coordinate set-up, prepare, serve, and clean-up for meals after funerals. If you are interested in becoming a part of this ministry, please contact JoDee Romano (216-978-8255).