Losing a loved one is never easy, and planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. Our parish is here to support you through this difficult time, helping you plan a funeral that honors your loved one and reflects our faith in the promise of eternal life.  

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process. Please know that our parish staff is available to assist you with any questions along the way.  

Step 1: Contact the Parish, Funeral Home, and Catholic Cemeteries  
The first step is to reach out to the following:  

Call the Parish Office – We will help you schedule the funeral and guide you through the planning process. If your loved one was Catholic, a Funeral Mass is the most fitting way to commend them to God. If a Mass is not possible, we can discuss other options, such as a funeral liturgy without Mass.

Contact a Funeral Home – They will assist with practical details like burial or cremation, writing an obituary, and coordinating transportation. Local funeral homes in St. Mary’s County include:  
  - BRISCOE-TONIC – Mechanicsville  

  - Brinsfield – Leonardtown & Charlotte Hall  

  - Mattingley-Gardiner – Leonardtown  
 
Contact Catholic Cemeteries – If your loved one will be buried in our parish cemetery or another Catholic cemetery in the area, please contact:  
  - Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington  
    - Phone: (301) 871-1300  
    - www.ccaw.org

If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry—we will walk with you through each step.  

Step 2: Choose the Type of Funeral Service  
A Catholic funeral usually has three parts:  

1. The Vigil (Wake Service) – This is a time for family and friends to gather, pray, and remember the deceased. It often takes place at a funeral home the evening before the funeral. The Rosary or other prayers may be offered.  
2. The Funeral Mass – Held at the church, this is the central liturgy where we commend your loved one to God and pray for their soul.  
3. The Rite of Committal (Burial Service) – This is the final farewell, held at the cemetery or mausoleum.  

If cremation is chosen, Church requires asks that the ashes be respectfully buried or placed in a sacred location.  Cremains may not be kept at home or scattered.  

Step 3: Select Readings from Scripture  
During the Funeral Mass, there are three readings:  

- First Reading (Old Testament) - Old Testament Reading Options
- Responsorial Psalm (sung or recited) – Responsorial Psalm Options 
- Second Reading (New Testament) – New Testament Reading Options 
- Gospel Reading (proclaimed by the priest or deacon) – Gospel Options 

You may choose readings that bring comfort and hope. If you’re unsure, we can suggest options. Family members or friends may read the First and Second Readings if they feel comfortable doing so. Additionally, because the Funeral Mass is Catholic celebration, only a practicing Catholic is permitted to read.  

Step 4: Choose Hymns and Music  
Music is an important part of the funeral liturgy. The hymns should be sacred and reflect our faith in Christ. Some commonly chosen hymns include:  

- Be Not Afraid  
- On Eagle’s Wings  
- Ave Maria  
- I Am the Bread of Life  

Our parish music director can help you choose appropriate music and arrange for musicians if needed.  

Step 5: Involve Family and Friends  
- If desired, family members or close friends may participate by reading scripture, presenting the offertory gifts, or offering a few words of remembrance (if permitted by the pastor).  
- A brief eulogy or remembrance may also take place at the Vigil or at a reception afterward.  

We can help you decide what works best for your family.

Step 6: Plan for Holy Communion (if applicable)  
If the Funeral Mass includes Holy Communion, those who receive should be practicing Catholics. If many people will receive, additional ministers may be needed.

Step 7: The Rite of Committal (Burial or Interment)  
After the funeral, the final prayers take place at the cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium. If cremation was chosen, the remains should be buried or placed in a sacred space.  

Step 8: Consider a Reception or Gathering  
Many families choose to gather after the funeral to share memories and offer support to one another. This can be arranged at home, in a church hall, or another venue.  

Step 9: Remember Your Loved One in Prayer  
Even after the funeral, our faith teaches us to continue praying for our departed loved ones. You may wish to:  
- Request a Mass intention for the deceased, especially on anniversaries.  
- Attend the annual All Souls’ Day Mass (November 2) to remember those who have passed.  

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our Parish Office. We are here to support you during this time of sorrow and prayer.  

For more Information on Catholic Funerals, please visit: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/bereavement-and-funerals