“‘If one member suffers in the body of Christ which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member’ (1 Corinthians 12:26) The Church calls each member of Christ’s Body…to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn.” (“Order of Christian Funerals”, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/Liturgy Training Publications 1989).
The Cathedral and Saint Patrick communities offer assistance to families upon the death of a loved one. Family members meet with a member of the pastoral staff to make arrangements for the vigil service, funeral liturgy, and burial. Saint Raphael and Saint Patrick have facilities to accommodate a funeral dinner provided the space is not previously scheduled. Families interested in a funeral dinner at the church are welcome to inquire at either parish office when arrangements are being made.
At the time of death, either the funeral home or a member of the family will contact the parish secretary to determine if a specific date could be available. The secretary will inform the priest/deacon who will make contact to schedule a time to meet.
Readings are proclaimed from the Old Testament, a sung responsorial psalm, New Testament, the gospel, and the general intercessions. Assistance will be given in selecting readings. An experienced reader proclaims the Word of God (up to 3 readers). If there is none in your family connection, one will be suggested.
The family is encouraged to have one to three Eucharistic Ministers who have been commissioned to help distribute communion. If there is none in your family connection, one will be suggested. One to two people may bring the gifts of bread and wine forward.
Because the funeral ceremony is a sacred event held in a sacred place, all music must be religious and dignified. A wide selection of music is available. Popular and non-religious music should be reserved for the visitation. A worship aid/program is available. For music suggestions, the table of contents for the Cathedral worship aid is listed below. The staff at St. Patrick will be of assistance.
Cathedral Only: For funerals at the Cathedral, a meeting will be arranged with the Cathedral Director of Music, Mr. Jim Mendralla (Call: 563.582.7646 x214 or Email: [email protected]) regarding funeral music. Organists/Pianists other than the Cathedral organist may not be utilized. Guest instrumentalists related to the family (trumpet, flute, violin, etc.) are welcome upon approval of the Director of Music.
If a guest vocalist is envisioned, arrangements must be made with the Cathedral Director of Music. A guest vocalist may sing two pieces during either the preparation of the gifts or as a second communion song. Final choice of placement will be left to the Director of Music. All liturgical parts of the funeral that are sung by the assembly are led by a Cathedral Cantor. All funerals will have the Cathedral organist and a Cathedral cantor.
Cathedral Funeral Worship Aid