Bereavement Guide Local Customs

Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show others support during difficult times. Through our prayers and actions during these times we show our respect for life, which is always a gift from God, and comfort to those who mourn.” (USCCB)

Preplanning Arrangements
It is suggested that you ask if your loved one has made prepaid arrangements with a funeral home. If so, it is recommended that you inquire at the funeral home if any additional fees incurred by the funeral home, parish church or cemetery can be added to the plan.

If there is a prepaid arrangement, all additional fees must be submitted to the funeral home director within five business days of the funeral service.

Any overage the parish receives is invested in the parish cemetery endowment in memory of the deceased. 

Local Parish Customs
Here is some general information about funerals held at St. Boniface Parish and St. Meinrad Parish:

Funerals are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Central Time / 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

Pallbearers sit with their loved ones throughout the service, gathering again at the invitation of the funeral director at the conclusion of the service.

As the assembly sings the Gathering Hymn, the immediate family follows the processional cross, followed by the pallbearers accompanying the remains. The family follows in procession and gathers at the Paschal Candle near the sanctuary at the foot of the altar to place the pall as the Introductory Rites begin. 

The Introductory Rites include the blessing of the mortal remains or cremains and clothing with the white garment (pall), sprinkling of Holy Water and placing of Christian symbols.

If you wish to have visitation hours for family, friends and neighbors on the day of the funeral, this can be scheduled in the church before the funeral Mass, upon request.

If visitation is held at the funeral home the day before the funeral, the public visitation at the church will be for one hour, beginning at 9 a.m.

When there is no visitation at the funeral home the day before the funeral Mass, the family may request up to a two-hour visitation immediately before the Mass of Christian Burial or Memorial Mass, which begins at 10 a.m.

A private prayer service for the family can be scheduled before the public visitation.

Bereavement Luncheon
A bereavement luncheon may be arranged upon request, to be held immediately after the Rite of Committal and interment at the cemetery. Information about the luncheon can be found at the link below.

Please note: If the family wishes to choose an alternative location for a bereavement luncheon, the parish will pay for the cost of the rental of the facility or assist in the cost of catering, up to $300. The meal is to be catered with staff from the vendor, rather than parish volunteers.

For more information, contact the Parish Office at 812-357-5533.