Funeral Procedures and Protocol

The standard procedure for a funeral at Holy Family Catholic Church is that a funeral

director (funeral home or mortuary) works with Holy Family parish staff to set up the details

of the visitation, funeral Mass, or liturgy, luncheon, and interment. Funeral directors are

very helpful to the parish in that they arrange for the times of the events, and help the family

coordinate the interment. They also provide valuable assistance with programs, easels and

tables for pictures and memory displays, and guest books. Normally the procedure is that,

after news of death, the funeral home is contacted first. The funeral home will then contact

Holy Family Parish to determine possible times and dates for a funeral Mass/Liturgy. The

family will meet with the funeral director and confirm the date/time. Family members

should then contact Holy Family Parish to arrange for a meeting with the priest or deacon

who will preside at the funeral. At this meeting the presider will work with the family to

choose scripture readings, hymns, and other details, along with understanding the life of

the deceased to incorporate those details in the funeral liturgy.