Planning a Funeral at St. John Bosco

Know that as you grieve the loss of your loved one – we are praying for you.  That is one of the gifts of community:  we are never alone, but in times such as this, we rely on and support one another for strength.  This Funeral Planning Guide is intended to assist you in planning the Liturgy in which we will commend your loved one to the mercy of God, as well as seek comfort and consolation for those who grieve as we find comfort in the love of God.

Scheduling
It is absolutely necessary to make scheduling determinations through the Parish Office. You, your family,  the funeral home, the cemetery office and St. John Bosco will reach a decision concerning the day and time of the funeral and burial.  Scheduling is subject to availability.

Planning the Funeral Service
Call the Parish Office to plan the funeral service.  You will be guided through the options for a funeral mass or memorial service, selections for music, and the readings.  There will be opportunities for family and friends to participate in the liturgy.   The Funeral Mass must be held in a church or approved chapel (such as a chapel in a Catholic cemetery). A memorial service can take place in a variety of suitable settings.  


Music
Music is a very important aspect of any Catholic liturgy.  Parish ministers will assist you in scheduling musicians.  Once a musician is selected, they will work directly with the family to determine appropriate liturgical music.


Readings
In and through the Scriptures, God speaks to His people.  The Church has set aside different options to be used at the Funeral Liturgy which speak of the central themes of this time, of Death, Resurrection, New Life, and hope in Christ.  You are given the option to choose amongst these readings if you wish, or you can leave it to the discretion of the Priest/Deacon.  Parish ministers can find lectors to proclaim these readings for you unless you indicate you want a family member to do this.


What the Church says about cremated remains and cremation
Burial of cremated remains or the body of the deceased should be in a sacred place, but the Church does not mandate a Catholic cemetary, although this is the preference.  The body or the cremated remains may be interred either in a grave, or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium.  The practicing  of scattering cremated remains (ashes) on the sea, in the air, or on the ground is not permitted for a Catholic.  Keeping crematd remains “at home or in the home of a relative or friend is not the reverent disposition that the Church requires”.



Reception
Just as it is important to gather and pray for our deceased loved ones, it is important to gather and remember their lives and tell the stories of their lives.  Receptions provide a wonderful setting.  Please check with the Parish Office for scheduling possibilities.  Arrangements for reception details, food, set up/clean up, technology/audio/video needs, and kitchen use will be made with the Funeral Reception Coordinator.  If you choose to use an outside caterer, this must be coordinated through the Funeral Reception Coordinator.  All catered items must be picked up before the end of the day of the funeral.



Recommended Local Caterers  
Cars Restaurant
https://www.carrsrestaurant.net/
 
Whole Foods
https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/fmc/m/30006490?almBrandId=aNHVc2Akvg
 
Panera
https://catering.panerabread.com/menu/category
 
Alfredo Russo
https://www.russopizzarium.com/


Costs
Fee for musicians………….$150-$200
Hall Usage Fee………………$150
*Honorarium….………………$100
Priest….………………At Your Discretion
 
*Honorarium (donations for church) and fees can be turned in to the Parish Office on the day of the event.
We do have limited audio/video capability in our parish hall (TV, Projector, Screen, Microphone).   Internet/Wi-Fi is currently available in the Hall.
St. John Bosco Catholic Church wants you to know that your deceased loved one and family remain in our prayers at this difficult time.

Contact Us

Phone: 253-582-1028