Funerals

Scripture

Jesus said, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst… this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life and I shall raise him on the last day" (Jn 6:35, 40).

Catechism

"Because of Christ, Christian death has a positive meaning: ‘For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' ‘The saying is sure: if we have died with him, we will also live with him.' What is essentially new about Christian death is this: through Baptism, the Christian has already ‘died with Christ' sacramentally, in order to live a new life; and if we die in Christ's grace, physical death completes this ‘dying with Christ' and so completes our incorporation into him in his redeeming act:

"It is better for me to die in Christ Jesus than to reign over the ends of the earth. Him it is I seek—who died for us. Him it is I desire—who rose for us. I am on the point of giving birth….Let me receive pure light; when I shall have arrived there, then shall I be a man.

"In death, God calls man to himself. Therefore the Christian can experience a desire for death like St. Paul's: ‘My desire is to depart and be with Christ.' He can transform his own death into an act of obedience and love towards the Father, after the example of Christ" (CCC 1010-1011).

When a family member dies, please call the rectory.  We will work with you and the funeral home to arrange the date and time for the wake, funeral, and burial.  We can also provide assistance with musical selections, accompanists and vocalists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Music: A funeral or memorial Mass is the central event in the remembrance and celebration of the life of a loved one. Music that is integrated within the liturgy can provide a moving and powerful element in that remembrance. The music and texts of songs should be from the liturgy, Scripture, prayers, or they should be compatible with such texts. Fees: Organist - $200; Cantor/soloist - $200; Other instruments - $200.

Flowers: Floral arrangements may be brought to the Church. They should be discrete and allow for freedom of movement during the liturgy.

Programs: Programs are very helpful to guests and can even be a keep-sake with a picture, a short obituary, and a list of persons participating in the Funeral Mass. We cannot prepare a program for the family, but samples will be provided upon request.

Donations: A donation to the parish is very helpful in covering costs for utilities. Checks should be made out to Our Lady of Victory. A stipend for the priest is ex gratia. (For musician fees please refer to the heading "Music.")