Funerals: Frequently Asked Questions



GENERAL QUESTIONS

What are the "Funeral Rites"?
The funeral liturgy has three major parts:  the Vigil Service (generally the evening before the funeral); the funeral Mass; and the interment (burial).  

When are funeral Masses typically celebrated at All Souls?
At All Souls, Funeral Masses are celebrated Monday through Saturday, usually between 10am-2pm, if the Church has not been scheduled for another activity or event. A Funeral Mass can be celebrated in English or Spanish.

Who may have their funeral at All Souls?
A funeral for any deceased member of the faithful must generally be celebrated in his or her parish church.  One is a member of All Souls by virtue of one or both of the following factors:

• One is a registered member of the parish                 
• One resides in the geographic boundary of the parish

The decision of whether or not to allow funerals for non-parishioners to take place at All Souls belongs to the Pastor/Administrator of All Souls and requires both his consent and notification to the deceased’s proper Pastor.

If a death is soon expected, when should we begin funeral arrangements?
If death is anticipated, but has not occurred, please contact the parish as soon as possible to arrange for your loved one to receive the Sacraments prior to death.  You do not need to wait until death is imminent.  If you or your loved one wishes to do so, we are also available to discuss their wishes prior to their death. If the medical doctor recommends that you proceed with advance funeral arrangements, call the Parish Office to begin the process. Please also refer to the Making Funeral Arrangements section.

Do established parishioners and patrons receive special funeral privileges, because of their standing with the parish?
When serving families of the deceased, All Souls strives to serve everyone impartially, by adhering to established practices. The parish staff is dedicated to assisting all parishioners to the greatest extent possible. Please note that funeral practices at other parishes, or from the past, have their value only at those places and time. We respectfully care for the deceased according to the faith, and we ask families to respect the Catholic Church’s teachings regarding the Liturgy, as well as our parish’s traditions. As a courtesy to priests and parish staff, please refrain from insisting on “special requests.”



ABOUT THE FUNERAL MASS

How do we choose Scripture readings?
Scripture readings for funeral Masses must be from the approved texts.  These texts will be provided by the parish so families may select from them.  Please note, during the Easter season, both the first and second readings are from the New Testament.

How do we choose music for the funeral?
According to the liturgical rubrics of the funeral Mass, the dignity of the liturgy demands music at a funeral liturgy. With rare exception, silent funerals or funerals without music are not permitted. Only pastorally appropriate music will be permitted at funeral liturgies (no secular music).  The parish staff will provide recommendations and must approve all final selections. 

May we have a eulogy at the funeral Mass?
“A eulogy is a ‘speech or writing in praise of a person,’ a ‘commendatory oration,’ and thus has never been a part of the Catholic liturgical tradition. Eulogies or words of remembrance are not usually permitted during funeral Masses at All Souls Parish.  The appropriate place for family or friends to speak in memory of the deceased will be at another time and place, for example, the viewing/vigil/wake or the reception after the funeral. Under special circumstances, with permission and approval of the celebrant priest and pastor, some words of remembrance may be said at Mass but it must be written and the content be brief (2-3 minutes). The message must be sent to the celebrant priest two business days before the Funeral Mass for approval.



ABOUT PROPER USE OF THE CHURCH 

May we have the Wake in the Church?
Evening Vigils/Wakes in the Church are not permitted.  However, a morning or early viewing in the Church, immediately prior to the funeral, may be permitted.  

Can we celebrate a Funeral Mass at the funeral home or a cemetery chapel?
A funeral Mass may not be celebrated in funeral homes or cemetery chapels. The Vigil/Wake typically takes place at the Funeral Home.

Is the Church facility available for a funeral reception?
That can vary depending on other planned church activities at the time. It is always advisable to check with the Schedule Keeper at the Parish Office for details. (Please note: A Reception is not part of the Order of the Christian Funerals).



ABOUT FEES AND DONATIONS

What is the customary donation to have a Funeral Mass at All Souls Church?
It is highly commendable to make a donation to the parish for the use of the Church or Chapel for funerals. These donations help offset costs incurred by the parish for facility usage and staff. The recommended donation is $000. The inability to make a donation would never prevent a parishioner from having their funeral Mass celebrated at the church.  (Note: For those who are not registered parishioners of All Souls, a Facilities Use Fee is requested for upkeep and maintenance. )

What is the customary donation to the Priest or Deacon?
Families may wish to make a donation to the priest or deacon who celebrates the funeral Mass. The suggested donation amount is $150. Although donations are not required, they are always very much appreciated.  

What are the fees for musicians?  
May we have outside musicians perform during the Mass?
The decision of which musicians perform at a funeral belongs to the Pastor and Musical Director alone. The musical staff of All Souls Parish typically play at all funerals. Only if they are unavailable, may the family request another musician provide music. However, all outside musicians must be approved by the Pastor and/or the Musical Director.  Pastoral musicians rely on fees received for their services as part of their livelihood.  The fee for organist is $150, and the fee for the cantor is $75. These fees are to be rendered prior to the funeral Mass. (Note: Families in genuine financial distress may discuss this privately with the pastor. Inability to make these donations would never prevent a parishioner from having their funeral Mass celebrated at the parish.)



ABOUT BURIALS AND CREMATION
(Please also refer to the "All Souls Cemetery" section for more information.)

Who will perform the burial at the cemetery?
A priest All Souls will perform the burial rites at the cemetery.

What is the Catholic Guidance on Cremation?
Catholics acknowledge the body which has been washed in the waters of baptism and has been the vessel of the Holy Spirit is to be treated with great respect, and thereby prefers the full body to be presented for burial. Since the 1960s the Catholic Church has recognized cremation of the body may be chosen and desired under various circumstances. Cremated remains are always to be treated with the same respect and care that is given to a full body.  (For more information, please refer to the Diocesan document "Cremation for Catholics in Florida")

Should the deceased be cremated before or after the funeral Mass?
The Church prefers that the body of the faithful member be present for the funeral Mass.  Therefore, whenever possible cremation should take place after the funeral Mass. All remains are to be treated with reverence and to be buried or entombed.

Can the cremated remains be brought to the parish to just receive a blessing?
The funeral Mass for deceased Christians is an honorable ancient practice that should be observed. A simple blessing would not take its place. The cremated remains should be properly interred. A Priest or Deacon can be requested for the Committal Service.

I want cremation, but my spouse does not. Can we be buried together?
Yes. Many couples have different preferences regarding final arrangements, just as they may about other choices in life. Placing cremated remains and a full body burial in the same grave is known as Second Right of Interment; which means each burial is an independent Right of Interment, yet in the same space. Discuss these choices with cemetery management.