Funeral and Memorial Mass Information386 N. Castell Ave.

New Braunfels, TX 78130830-625-4531

www.sppnb.org

From the Pastor and Parochial Vicar

The greatest hope, comfort and strength of our Catholic faith is the promise of eternal life with God. Funerals should reflect our conviction that when our earthly journey has ended, we will join Him in our heavenly home; death is not the end of life.

A Catholic funeral traditionally includes three parts: A Vigil Service (wake) in the home or at a funeral home, the Funeral Liturgy in the church, and the Rite of Committal at the cemetery. Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church is pleased to offer these funeral rites to our parishioners. The Funeral Mass is best celebrated in the church of the deceased in the presence of their faith community.

The loss of a loved one may be difficult and stressful and often makes the planning of a funeral a painful and trying experience. However, the funeral rites invite us to lift our gaze to heaven so that we may find hope in our sadness.

The first step in planning a funeral liturgy is to consult with our Parish Administrator, Deacon Rusty Brandt. He may be reached at 830-625-4531, extension 220 or at rustybrandt@sppnb.org. He can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

It is our pleasure to assist you during your time of need. We join you in prayer and ask that you be consoled and welcome Christ into your life during your time of grief.

Fr. Carlos B.. Velázquez Fr. Wanjiru Ndung’u Pastor Parochial Vicar

Catholic Funerals Vigil Service, with either the body or ashes present Funeral Mass or Service, with either the body or ashes present Rite of Committal (Graveside Service), with burial of the body

or ashes Memorial Mass or Service, with no remains present

The Vigil Service is held at the funeral home or in the church. Vigils may be led by a priest, deacon or commissioned lay minister. The vigil is the best time to have memorials and eulogies as well as secular music, readings, and poems. There are three types of vigil services: Prayer Service (suitable for congregations of mixed faiths), Prayer Service with Rosary (suitable for congregations of mixed faiths) and Rosary (suitable for mostly Catholic congregations).

The Funeral Mass is held in the church and the remains are treated with great respect. At the front of the church, the body is sprinkled with holy water and covered with a pall which serves as a reminder of baptism. A Bible and a crucifix, symbols of our Christian faith, may be placed on the casket. An urn of ashes may be placed on a table at the front of the church before the service begins along with a picture of the deceased and a small vase with flowers. A flag may be placed on the casket after the conclusion of the Mass.

The Rite of Committal, or Graveside Service, is held at the place of committal, that is, beside the open grave or place of interment. The Rite of Committal is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. Here, the priest or deacon reads scripture and says special prayers. Those gathered recite the Lord’s Prayer and the priest or deacon delivers a blessing. The rite may end with a hymn or song. If there was no funeral liturgy, the Final Commendation will be celebrated at this time before the body is interred.

The Memorial Mass or Service is held in the church. No remains are present at this Mass. The Mass begins with an opening song, greeting and penitential rite. This Mass can take place close to the time of death or when the family and friends are able to gather.

Outline of a Funeral Mass

Introductory Rites

At the entrance to the church the remains are sprinkled with holy water and covered with a pall, a reminder of baptism. When the procession reaches the front of the church an open Bible and a crucifix, symbols of Christian faith, are placed on or near the casket or urn.The Liturgy of the WordFirst ReadingResponsorial Psalm (sung)Second Reading (optional)Gospel ReadingHomilyPrayers of the FaithfulLiturgy of the EucharistThe Offertory—Presentation of Bread and WineThe Eucharistic PrayerThe Lord’s PrayerThe Sign of PeaceCommunionFinal Commendation and FarewellThe remains are sprinkled with holy water and honored with incense and the pall is removed.

Outline of the Rite of CommittalInvitationScripture VersePrayer Over the Place of CommittalCommittalIntercessionsThe Lord’s PrayerConcluding PrayerPrayer Over the PeopleSong (optional)

Outline of a Memorial MassIntroductory RitesA Catholic Memorial Mass starts with the processional of the priest toward the sanctuary of the church. After the entrance procession, there is often a gathering song followed by a greeting to the

assembly. This is followed by the Penitential Rite and concludes with the Opening Prayer.Liturgy of the WordFirst ReadingResponsorial PsalmSecond ReadingGospel AcclamationGospel ReadingHomilyPrayers of the FaithfulLiturgy of the EucharistThe Offertory-Presentation of Bread and WineThe Eucharistic PrayerThe Lord’s PrayerThe Sign of PeaceCommunionConcluding RiteFinal BlessingDismissalRecessional

Please note, we encourage family members and friends to take part in assisting with the placing of the pall on the casket and in the Liturgy of the Word by reading the First and Second Readings. A vigil service may also include readings.

Other Considerations

Tributes and EulogiesIndividual tributes should be reserved for the vigil service the afternoon or evening before the Funeral Mass or for a reception afterwards. The homily at Mass is when the priest will preach on the Gospel you have chosen and make specific references to the deceased.

Displays and PhotographsWe welcome displays of photographs and memorabilia at the entrance to the church. A single framed portrait may be displayed on an easel near the altar. All other photographs are to be placed in the church foyer.

Financial ConsiderationsAlthough there is no fee for a funeral Mass, a donation to the church would be appreciated, but certainly not required. No one will be denied the services of the church for financial reasons. These donations/stipends may be paid through the funeral home or by a family member and are usually taken care of the prior to the funeral liturgy.

FlowersWe welcome flowers as part of the Funeral Mass—in moderation—placed in the front of the church without distracting from the Funeral Mass. During Lent, we do not use flowers on the altar, but a couple of arrangements may be displayed around the casket.

Memorial GiftsYou may wish to encourage friends and family to make memorial gifts to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church or School in memory of the deceased. The immediate family of the deceased will be notified of the gift. Memorial gifts may be used for the general needs of the church or may be designated for a specific purpose. Please contact our Finance Manager, Mary Kay Williams at 830-625-4531, extension 234 or email her at marykaywilliams@sppnb.org for assistance.

Catholic Church View on CremationIn April 1997, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments granted an indult for the United States to allow the diocesan bishop to permit the presence of the cremated remains of a body at a Funeral Mass. Later that year, the Congregation confirmed the special texts and ritual directives, which were then published as an appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals. Frequently the Secretariat of Divine Worship receives requests for clarification or suggestions for best practices regarding the presence of cremated remains and funerals and their appropriate final disposition or committal.

The practice of cremation has grown and become more commonplace in the United States, and it is often presented as a more affordable alternative to traditional burial. What is often overlooked is the Church's teaching regarding the respect and honor due to the human body. The Order of Christian Funerals' Appendix on Cremation states: "Although cremation isnow permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites" [No. 413].Ideally, if a family chooses cremation, the cremation will take place at some time after the Funeral Mass, so that there can be an opportunity for the Vigil for the Deceased in the presence of the body (during "visitation" or "viewing" at a church or funeral home). This allows for the appropriate reverence for the sacredness of the body at the Funeral Mass: sprinkling with holy water, the placing of the pall, and honoring it with incense. The Rite of Committal then takes place after cremation. Funeral homes offer several options in this case. One is the use of "cremation caskets," which is essentially a rental casket with a cardboard liner that is cremated with the body. Another is a complete casket that is cremated (this casket contains minimal amounts of non-combustible material such as metal handles or

latches).

When cremation takes place before the Funeral Mass, and the diocesan bishop permits the presence of cremated remains at the Funeral Mass, the Appendix provides adapted texts for the Sprinkling with Holy Water, the Dismissal for use at the Funeral Mass [or the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass], and the Committal of Cremated Remains. The introduction provides further specific details about how the funeral rites are adapted. In all, the rite notes:

The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, and the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains on the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. (No. 417)

Used with permission by the© 2013 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bereavement MinistrySts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church has a ministry dedicated to providing companionship to you during this time. This ministry is comprised of volunteers who offer a reception of sharing, fellowship, and food after the funeral service. We also have two support groups, God's Healing Love and Life After Loss. If you would like more information about our Bereavement Ministry or support groups, please contact Deacon Rusty Brandt at 830-625-4531, ext. 220.

MusicMusic is integral to the funeral rites. Music allows the community to express feelings that words alone may fail to convey. Music has the power to console and uplift mourners as

well as strengthen them in faith and love. We encourage families to make full use of the Church’s rich traditions and our musical resources.

Music before & after MassInstrumental music can provide a quiet and prayerful atmosphere at the beginning of the service. As the cortège leaves the church at the end of Mass, uplifting music may be played.

Hymns and PsalmsDuring a liturgy, everyone present should participate in the singing. The hymns, psalms and spiritual songs chosen should be

familiar to a good number of the congregation so that the singing is strong. Our hymnals contain appropriate musical selections from which you may wish to choose.

Recorded MusicWe recognize the importance of certain recorded songs. Recorded music must be approved first to ensure that it is appropriate for the liturgy.

Clergy Staff

Fr. Carlos B. Velázquez, Pastor 830-625-4531, ext. 235Fr. Wanjiru Ndung’u, Parochial Vicar 830-625-4531, ext. 235Deacon Rusty Brandt 830-625-4531, ext. 220Deacon Bob Gorman 830-629-0176Deacon Bill Schroeder 830-625-4282Deacon Fred Fey 830-625-0537Deacon Ben Wehman 833-629-4395Deacon Don Maxwell 830-620-8777Deacon Derrel Craig 805-603-8217

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Funeral Planning Worksheet

TYPE OF VIGIL:

Prayer Service___ Prayer Service with Rosary___ Rosary___

LOCATION OF VIGIL SERVICE:

Funeral Home___ Church___

TYPE OF FUNERAL:

Funeral Mass___ Memorial Mass___ Graveside Service___

SELECTIONS FOR THE MASS:

Will there be a viewing before the Mass? Yes___ No___

Was the deceased baptized? Yes___ No___

When and where will the burial take place? _______________________________

Name of the Deceased____________________________________________________Date of Funeral____________________________________________________________Time of Funeral____________________________________________________________Celebrant__________________________________________________________________Rev. 2/2/2021

Musician___________________________________________________________________Contact Person_____________________________________________________________Preferred Language English____ Spanish____ Bilingual____Obituary Yes________ No_________

First Reading Read by:_________________________________Taken from Through Death to Life, pages 26-33.C1: 2 Maccabees 12:43-46He acted in an excellent and noble way as he had the resurrection of the dead in view. C2: Job 19:1, 23-27aI know that my Vindicator lives.C3: Wisdom 3:1-9As sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.C3: Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 (short version)C4: Wisdom 4:7-15An unsullied life, the attainment of old age. C5: Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9He will destroy death forever.C6: Lamentations 3:17-26It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord. C7: Daniel 12:1-3Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.Readings during Easter, onlyC8: Acts 10:34-43 He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.C8: Acts 10:34-36, 42-43 (short version)C9: Revelation 14:13Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. C10: Revelation 20:11-21:1The dead were judged according to their deeds.C11: Revelation 21:1- 5a, 6b-7There shall be no more death.

Responsorial PsalmSee pages 35-44 in Through Death to Life.

Second Reading Read by:____________________________Taken from Through Death to Life, pages 45-55.

E1: Romans 5:5-11Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him Rev. 2/2/2021

from the wrath.E2: Romans 5:17-21Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.E3: Romans 6:3-9We too might live in newness of life.E3: Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 Long VersionE4: Romans 8:14-23We also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.E5: Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39What will separate us from the love of Christ?E6: Romans 14:7-9, 10b-12Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.E7: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28So too in Christ shall all be brought to life.E7: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23E8: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57Death is swallowed up in victory.E9: 2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1What is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.E10: 2 Corinthians 5:1,6-10We have a building from God, eternal in heaven.E11:Philippians 3:20-21He will change our lowly bodies to conform to his glory.E12:1 Thessalonians 4:13-18Thus, we shall always be with the Lord.E13: 2 Timothy 2:8-13If we have died with him, we shall also live with him.E14:1 John 3:1-2We shall see him as he is.E15:1 John 3:14-16We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers.

GospelTaken from Through Death to Life, pages 59-78

G1: Matthew 5:1-12aRejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

G2: Matthew 11:25-30 Come to me and I will give you rest.G3: Matthew 25:1-13

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Behold the bridegroom! Come out to him! G4: Matthew 25:31-46Come, you who are blessed by my Father.G5: Mark 15:33-39, 16:1-6Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.G5: Mark 15:33-39 (short version)G6: Luke 7:11-17Young man, I tell you, arise!G7: Luke 12:35-40You also must be prepared.G8: Luke 23:33,39,43Today you will be with me in paradise.G9: Luke 23:44-46, 50, 53, 24Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.G9: Luke 23:44-46, 50-53 (short version)G10: Luke 24:13-35Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?G10: Luke 24:13-16, 28-35 (short version)G11: John 5:24-29Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from death to life.G12: John 6:37-40Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life and I shall raise him on the last day.G13: John 6:51-59Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and I will raise them up on the last day.G14: John 11:17, 27I am the resurrection and the life.G14: John 11:21-27 (short version)

G15: John 11:32-45 Lazarus, come out!G16: John 12:23-28If it dies, it produces much fruit.G16: John 12:23-26 (short version)G17: John 14:1-6

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In my Father’s house there are many dwellings.G18: John 17:24-26I wish that where I am they also may be with me.G19: John 19:17-18, 25-30And bowing his head he handed over his Spirit.

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Funeral Planning Worksheet

Opening Song: ________________________________________________________

1st Reading: ________________________________________________________

1st Reading Read By: _______________________________________________

Psalm (Sung): ______________________________________________________

2nd Reading: _______________________________________________________

2nd Reading Read By: _______________________________________________

Gospel: ________________________________________________________________

Offertory Song: _____________________________________________________Gifts (2 people): Bread: __________________________________________________

Wine: _________________________________________________

Communion Song: ______________________________________________________Recessional Song: __________________________________________________________

Musical Suggestions Rev. 2/2/2021

To assist you with planning, we have included a listing of the most requested hymns:

Gathering Amazing Grace Be Not Afraid Canticle of the SunHere I Am, Lord I Have Loved You Morning Has BrokenLift High the Cross Lord of All Hopefulness You Are MineOn Eagle’s Wings We Walk by Faith

Preparation of the GiftsAmazing Grace Be Not Afraid Rest in the Arms of GodEye Has Not Seen I Have Loved You Blest Are TheyHosea Prayer of St. Francis Here I Am, LordYou Are Mine Tree of Life We RememberI Know my Redeemer Lives

CommunionEat This Bread Eye Has Not Seen Gift of Finest WheatI Have Loved You One Bread, One Body I Am the Bread of LifePanis Angelicus Song of the Body of Christ Taste and SeeThe King of Love We Come to Your Feast We RememberTake and Eat Bread of Life from Heaven

RecessionalAmazing Grace Be Not Afraid Shelter Me, O GodFor All the Saints Go Silent, Friend Faith of Our FathersHoly God How Great Thou Art Jesus, Remember MeOn Eagle’s Wings Joyful, Joyful Precious LordRev. 2/2/2021

In Paradisum Shepherd of My Heart Jesus Christ is Risen

Mariachis and Bap Pipes are sometimes culturally important for those planning a funeral liturgy for their loved one. We welcome their use on the steps of the church before or after a service or to lead a procession in and/or out of church. They may also play during the Mass with the understanding that only liturgically appropriate music is permitted.

Information About the Deceased

1. What was your loved one like? What are some of your favorite memories that stand out?

2. How was life with this loved one/friend?

3. What role did God and the Church play in his/her life?

4. Is there anything that you’d like the celebrant to mention during the homily?

5. Is there anything that you prefer the celebrant not mention Rev. 2/2/2021

during the homily?

If you have any questions, require further information, or need assistance planning the liturgy

for your loved one, please feel free to contact us:

Fr. Carlos B. VelázquezPastor

830-625-4531, ext. 235frcarlos@sppnb.org

Fr. Wanjiru Ndung’uParochial Vicar

830-625-4531, ext. 235frwanjiru@sppnb.org

Marianna UnderwoodDirector of Liturgy and Music

830-625-4531, ext. 282mariannaunderwood@sppnb.org

Deacon Rusty BrandtParish Administrator

830-625-4531, ext. 220rustybrandt@sppnb.org

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