Funeral

All the sacraments and principally those of Christian initiation, have as their goal the last Passover of the Child of God, which, through death, leads him into the life of the Kingdom. then what he confessed in faith and hope will be fulfilled: " I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come." The Christian funeral is a liturgical celebration of the Church. The ministry of the Church in this instance aims at expressing efficacious communion with the deceased, at the participation in that communion of the community gathered for the funeral, and at the proclamation of eternal life to the community.

(taken from Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Scheduling a Funeral/Memorial Mass

Once you have chosen a funeral home, our parish office will be in contact with the funeral director to make arrangements for the funeral Mass.

Memorial Masses are also offered at our parish. A Memorial Mass is typically handled between the family of the deceased and the parish. Memorial Masses are typically celebrated for a loved one who passed but did not receive a Funeral shortly after their passing. Memorial Masses are celebrated with the cremated remains (cremains) of the deceased.

For questions about a funeral or memorial Mass, please contact our parish office at 630-837-5411 or at info@stpeterdamian.org.

Preparing for a Funeral/Memorial Mass

Family members of the deceased are encouraged to take part in the preparation of their loved one's funeral Mass but are not required. If a family chooses not to participate, all readings and music will be chosen for the funeral Mass by the parish staff and priest.
After a funeral director contacts the parish, our receptionist will contact the family member who is primarily making the arrangements to set up a time to meet to choose the readings and music and speak with the priest who is celebrating the Mass.
If you would like to begin preparing for a funeral or Memorial Mass please, download the following documents:
- Preparing to Celebrate a Funeral Mass- organizational sheet
- Music Selections Guide
Below are the most commonly used readings for funeral Masses celebrated at St. Peter Damian.