Sincere Condolences and Sympathy

The clergy and staff of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish are available to assist throughout the process of dealing with the loss of a loved one. We offer the following guidance and planning information for those who have lost a loved one, and for those who are making advance funeral preparations for themselves. All are welcome to contact the parish office for specific details and for clergy assistance.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Catholic funeral rites? 

There are many opportunities for prayer after death, such as gathering at the funeral home and viewing the body. The Church offers three formal services, all or some of which may be used:

• Vigil for the Deceased: The evening before the funeral, a Vigil may be scheduled with visitation. The Vigil is held at the funeral home or church. Devotions, such as the Rosary, and remembrances of the deceased (eulogy) are encouraged at this time.

• Funeral Mass: The Eucharist is the heart of the Paschal Mystery, when we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and our participation in that mystery. The Mass is offered for the person who has died. (Eulogies are not appropriate at a Funeral Mass.)

• Graveside Service: The Rite of Committal is celebrated at the place of burial or interment.

Who assists with funeral preparations?  

The funeral rites are planned in coordination with the family of the deceased, our parish clergy and staff , and the funeral home director. With assistance of the funeral home, we help the family with funeral planning.  Volunteers from our parish may also be available to assist as greeters, altar servers, Ministers of Holy Communion, and Lectors.

When do funeral preparations begin?  

Before or immediately upon the death of a loved one, families should contact the Parish Office. Advance preparation for funeral services is recommended. Contact the Church any time to make funeral preparations for yourself or a loved one.

Does the Church recommend a Funeral Mass?   

Yes, a celebration of the Mass is strongly encouraged for any Catholic who has died, even though the family may not be Catholic. On days when a Funeral Mass is not permitted, a prayer service is celebrated, such as Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Is a Funeral Mass allowed on Holy Days of Obligation?  

Funeral Masses are not allowed on Holy Days of Obligation, which includes Sundays, Mary Mother of God, Assumption of Mary, All Saints and Immaculate Conception.

Can I choose the readings, or does the Church choose them?  

The family is encouraged to select readings from Sacred Scripture. Call the parish office for a list of selections of possible readings.

Can I choose the hymns for the Mass?  

The family is encouraged to contact our Parish Office to plan all music for the liturgy. Please be aware that there are a fixed number of liturgical texts at a funeral Mass. Also, note that recorded, secular, and Protestant music selections are not allowed. A cantor may be available to sing for the funeral. Contact our Parish Office for a list of most appropriate and common hymns.

What times are available for funerals?  

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish will make every effort to set a funeral time convenient for the family.  However, accommodations may be required during high-traffic events. Funeral Masses cannot take place on Sunday.

Visitations

It is common to host a visitation the evening before the funeral. Alternately, with the permission of the pastor, a visitation can take place in the church, beginning one hour before the funeral.

Can I have friends and family members offer a Eulogy?  

One family member or friend may speak at the end of the Funeral Mass. Eulogies are most appropriate at the Vigil and at the Graveside Service.

Donation of the body to science

The Church views donation of organs as a commendable and meritorious act, as well as a donation of one’s body. A Funeral Mass takes place in the presence of the body (before donation to science).  Otherwise a Memorial Mass is held if the body is not present.

Does the Catholic Church allow cremation?  

Yes, the Church permits cremation, [CCC 2301] but the Church still prefers burial or entombment of the deceased.  To learn more about the Church’s view on Cremation, please refer to the USCCB Statement on Cremation and the Order of Christian Funerals (here).

Can I bring flowers into the Church?  

Flower arrangements and funeral "sprays" may be brought into the vestibule of the church. In the case of cremations, floral arrangements may be placed at the foot of the table holding the funeral urn.  Artificial flowers are not allowed.  

Priest Celebrants from Other Parishes

Visiting priests are welcomed at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. ***If they are outside the Diocese of Shreveport and presiding at the Mass, they will need to submit an "Affidavit of Suitability" from their local diocesan bishop.

Moral Choices for Loved Ones 

To learn more about the moral choices that families encounter at the passing of their loved ones, please view the Statement from the Catholic Bishops of Louisiana, entitled "Approaching Death: The Moral Choices," click (here).

St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Shreveport

The Diocese of Shreveport operates St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery as a resting place for departed Catholics. It features nearly 100 sections arranged into plots and crypts. In addition, its Garden Mausoleum and Chapel Mausoleum feature over 200 interred tombs. For information about burial costs or available spaces, contact Ed Hydro via email or by phone 318-219-7277. To view the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery website, click (here).

Catechism of the Catholic Church Teaching on Death

Our experiences of suffering, injustice, and death, can seem to contradict the Good News; they can shake our faith and become a temptation against it. During such times, Christians must turn to the witnesses of our faith. For example, Abraham “in hope... believed against hope.” Also, the Blessed Virgin Mary walked into the “night of faith” in sharing the darkness of her son’s suffering and death (CCC 164-65). Christians must also remember that Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father’s glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with him forever (CCC 665).