Bereavement Ministry

Scheduling a Funeral at Our Lady of the Lakes

When a family is working with a funeral home, the funeral director will call the parish office to schedule the date and time for the funeral.

When a family is planning the funeral without the assistance of a funeral director, the family should call the parish office to schedule the date and time for the funeral.

The priest may not be immediately available to confirm the date and time; a staff member will communicate with the family as soon as the priest has responded.

Our Lady of the Lakes Parish attempts to schedule funerals at the convenience of the family. The Church, however, prohibits funerals and funeral Masses on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, as well as some other days. In some circumstances, a priest may not be available at a time preferred by the family due to other commitments or scheduled events. In addition, cemetery schedules may affect the choice of a date and time, especially on or near federal holidays.
 
Preparing the Funeral Liturgy

A Representative from the parish bereavement ministry will contact the family to assist them in planning the funeral Mass.

Musical selections are to be made with the assistance of a bereavement team member.  Secular songs are not permitted in Church celebrations.  If you have any questions in this regard, please contact the parish office.
 
Stipends and Donations

Our Lady of the Lakes does not charge for use of the church for a Funeral Mass.  It is customary, however, for the family to offer a stipend to the priest who celebrates the Mass, to the music director who provides the vocals and accompaniment and coordinates the A/V, and to the sacristan.   The bereavement team member will provide the family with the list of stipends.

The family may choose to offer a donation to the parish for the ongoing ministry of the Church.
People are encouraged to remember Our Lady of the Lakes in their wills and in their choice of charities at the death of a loved one. All donations received are promptly acknowledged to the family.