Funerals

Can we pre-arrange our funeral Mass?
Yes, feel free to contact Hannah Martinez at [email protected] or 512.814.2178.

Who can receive the Rite of Christian Burial?
All Catholics can receive the Rite of Christian Burial, if person was of a different denomination, then the church will have different guidelines.

My deceased family member was not an actively practicing Catholic, can we still have a Mass of Christian burial?
Yes, their funeral would take place at their geographical* parish or the parish of their next of kin.
*Based off parish bounderies

Is cremation allowed in the Catholic Church?
Yes, however for the funeral liturgy it is prefered that the body be present. 

For more detail visit USCCB's page on cremation

Can the funeral Mass be celebrated in the funeral home?
Yes, please inquire wth the funeral home about their guidelines.

Should we have a rosary the night before?
Though this is a beautiful tradition in various cultures and is encouraged, it is not a requirement.

How is a funeral Mass different?
The funeral Mass starts with the family gathered around the casket at the entrance of the church near the baptistery.  There we bless the casket with holy water calling to mind the fact that the deceased died with Christ in baptism and is now on the journey back to God.  The casket is then covered with a pall which is a large cloth that is a reminder of how we received a white garment at baptism, symbolizing our baptismal purity and the fact that we are claimed for Christ.  Family members are invited to take part in placing the pall.  The liturgy is identical to a typical weekend Mass except that at the end a rite of commendation precedes taking the casket from the church to the place of interment.  If the Mass is celebrated with cremated remains, the ceremony at the entrance in omitted and the commendation is shortened.  This follows the format of a memorial Mass and can be celebrated at any time. (St. Theresa's Catholic Church's explanation)

Can we have a eulogy at the Mass of Christian Burial?
It is recommended that this take place at the Vigil service the evening before at the funeral home.

How much does the funeral Mass cost?
At St. John Neumann, there is no fee for a funeral Mass; however, there is a musician stipend. It is also customary to give a free will donation to the church and/or the celebrant.

Can we have a reception after the funeral?
Yes, depending on the availability of our church hall.

There are three principal ritual moments in Christian funerals for Catholics:

• The Vigil: Services begin with a Vigil service (commonly the wake service) typically in a Funeral home the evening before the mass is to take place.
• Funeral Mass: The Funeral Mass is celebrated the next day with the body or the cremated remains present in the church. 
• Committal: The person shall either be laid to rest at the burial site following the mass or laid to rest in a columbarium.

Click here to view options for funeral Mass readings.

One of the most appreciated and rewarding ministries of the parish is the Funeral Receptions Ministry. They prepare and serve a reception for family members and friends following a funeral or memorial here at St. John Neumann.

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We invite all members of the parish to consider joining this committee! For more information, click here or contact Tanya Childs at [email protected] or 512.814.2173.

If you would like to get a niche in our columbarium for your loved one, please contact Hannah Martinez at [email protected] or 512.814.2178.

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