Funerals

The Order of Christian Funerals describes the Church’s ministry to the deceased and their family in these words:

At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the Funeral Rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist (Order of Christian Funerals, #4).

Christians celebrate the Funeral Rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope f the just. The Mass, the memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral.

The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living. While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the Funeral Rites also recall to all who take part in them God’s mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis.

Saint Thomas the Apostle Funeral Policy

The people of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish extend their deepest sympathies to you during this time of loss and offer the following support for celebrating a funeral liturgy at Saint Thomas Church.

For Parishioners or Immediate Family Members of a Parishioner

Immediate family members include: spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, stepfather or mother, stepson or daughter, brother or sister of a parishioner.
The Liturgy: The FEES for the use of the Church, the music arrangement and coordination, a parish Cantor and the Altar Servers are WAIVED.
Special Musicians: If a guest Cantor, Soloist, or Musician is requested, the family of the deceased assumes the responsibility of contacting them, engaging them and paying their stipend. Those engaged must agree to work under the direction of the Parish Music Director.
Luncheon: If the family of the deceased desires to have a funeral luncheon, and it is feasible for the Parish to do so, a funeral luncheon will be offered immediately after the funeral service in the Church at the following cost.
- Set Up and Coordination $50.00
- Cost per person $ 1.50
- If the family cannot afford to pay this fee, it can be waived upon request.

For Non-Parishioners or Extended Family Members of a Parishioner

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Extended family members include: aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
The Liturgy: The FEES for the use of the Church, the music arrangement and coordination, the parish Cantor, and the Altar Servers are as follows:
- Church Preparation $20.00
- Music Arrangement & Coordination $125.00
- Parish Cantor $75.00
- Altar Servers $15.00
- Liturgy Subtotal $235.00
Special Musicians: If a guest Cantor, Soloist, or Musician is requested, the family of the deceased assumes the responsibility of contacting them, engaging them and paying their stipend. The parish Music Director is always employed at the above fee, and those engaged must agree to work under the direction of the parish Music Director.
Luncheon: A funeral luncheon is a volunteer ministry of Saint Thomas, and is normally not available for the funerals of extended family members of parishioners or for non-parishioners. Occasionally, upon special request and if feasible, an exception is made. The fees for the luncheon are as follows:
- Set Up and Coordination $50.00
- Cost per person $ 1.50

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Payment: Please make your check payable to Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish.

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If you have any questions, please contact Margo Dean.

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