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St. Clare Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry provides a welcome environment of support and direction for the family and friends of the deceased the day of the funeral service. Members of the ministry act as greeters at the doors prior to the service. Members may also be trained as altar servers to assist the celebrant during the Funeral Mass.
Our goal is to remove as much stress and anxiety the family may be feeling by guiding them through what to expect as the service unfolds, ensuring everyone that has a role in the service knows what to do and when, and assuring them we are here to serve them while providing a beautiful Catholic service for their beloved deceased family member. We welcome all parishioners, high school age and older. The schedule is contingent on when a service is needed, with the average being once a month. Training is provided to new ministers on an individual basis. Once a year a group meeting is held to review process and procedures.
Funeral services usually are scheduled for 10:30 AM with family visitation beginning at 10 AM. Ministers are asked to arrive at 9:50 AM. to be prepared for the arrival of guests. Ministers stay for the service.
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Planning a Funeral
- Making Arrangements
- Setting the Date and Time
- Location
- Preparation for the Liturgy
- Eulogies
- Parish Social Hall
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Making ArrangementsWhen a parishioner dies, a member of the family should contact the parish office as soon as possible. A member of our parish staff will help with the planning of the Funeral Liturgy. During regular office hours, please call the parish office (313-647-5000). In the evening or on weekends, please call Fr. Andrew Kowalczyk.
When someone dies and we are responsible for the arrangements we may have feelings of being overwhelmed with decisions. What do I do next? Do I call the priest? Do I call the funeral home? If the death occurred at home, who do I need to contact? All of these are important questions. We want you to know, you can contact the parish office or rectory at any time that you feel you need our support.Most people, upon the death of a loved one contact the funeral home of their choice to begin making arrangements. Sometimes the deceased has already made pre-planned funeral arrangements. However, often, the decisions are left up to the next of kin and/or the executor of the will. We want to work with you and the funeral home in making these preparations
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Setting the Date and Time
The first consideration regarding the funeral is the selection of a date and time. Sometimes the consideration of family members traveling from out of town needs to be taken into account. Beyond personal preferences, however, the schedules of the Church and the funeral home need to be considered. There may be other funerals and functions that will preclude a desired date and time. Generally speaking funerals at St. Clare take place around 10:30 am. We will do everything possible to meet your requested date and time, however please confirm or have the funeral director confirm with our office that we can accommodate your request.
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Location
Traditionally the funeral takes place at the Church with the celebration of the Eucharist. The Mass of Christian Burial offered for our beloved deceased is the Church’s most powerful and efficacious prayer, for their eternal repose. For those whom attendance at Mass had been an integral part of their life as a practicing Catholic, the Mass provides an especially meaningful closure to their earthly journey with spiritual healing and forgiving grace. It is a spiritual work of mercy to pray for the dead.
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Preparation for the Liturgy
Celebrating our faith and the life of the deceased through the liturgy is important to both the family and the Church. The funeral liturgy, wherever it takes place, either at the Funeral Home during the Vigil Prayer and/or in the Church during the Mass, is always a celebration of God’s gift of new life that is offered for those who believe. Therefore, before any concrete plans are made regarding the liturgy we ask that you contact the parish to set up a time when we can meet to discuss things such as Music, Prayer Service, Scripture Readings and participation of family members within the celebration.
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EulogiesThere is a fundamental need in every human heart to remember. That is usually the desire in wanting a eulogy, namely to remember a person who meant so much to us. Eulogies are only permitted prior to the beginning of the service. Keeping in mind, the remarks made are in a place of worship, the following guidelines will assist in your preparation:
- Remarks should be written out and be 3 to 5 minutes in length.
- They should reflect the faithful life of the deceased in a respectful manner highlighting their charitable qualities and the positive impact they made on those they touched.
While we do not dispute the need to remember and share stories, we ask you to consider the timing and purpose of sharing these stories. As mentioned earlier, the funeral liturgy is a celebration of God’s love in the person of His Son Jesus. Many families choose to share stories about the deceased at the Funeral Home the night before at the Vigil, or at the luncheon afterwards in a more relaxed setting.
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Parish Social Hall
The Social Hall may be used after a service to provide a reception location for your gathering. This would be subject to availability. The kitchen is not equipped to prepare the meal. Those choosing to use this facility will need to select a caterer to provide food service.
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Catholic Burial Info.
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Contact Us
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Rev. Andrew Kowalczyk, CSMAandrewkstclarem.orgPastor -
Michelle Fisherbereavementministrystclarem.orgBereavement Minister -
Gina Serraioccobereavementministrystclarem.orgBereavement Minister
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