The overwhelming majority of Funeral services provided to parishioners at Saint Paul's are in coordination with Kreamer Funeral Home and Thompson Funeral Home. It is a pleasure to work with both teams.

The Vigil
Vigil services may be celebrated at a funeral home following all current guidelines with particular attention to the wearing of masks for all persons in the funeral home and social distancing.

The Funeral Mass
It is necessary for a licensed funeral director or their representative to be in the church for the duration of the Funeral Mass. Every other pew is available for use so that social distancing may be maintained. It is at the judgment of family members and those in attendance to distance themselves in each pew as necessary.

Face masks must be worn by all persons in the building at all times.

In most cases, the Funeral Mass will begin at the front of the church without a formal procession.  The funeral home will place the casket or urn at the front of the church shortly before the Mass.

The gifts of bread and wine will be set at the altar prior to the celebration and will not be brought up in procession.

The Rite of Committal
Current guidelines from the funeral home and the guidelines of the cemetery will be followed.

Family Participation in the Funeral Liturgy
At this time, limited participation from family members is requested so that the sanctuary may remain sanitized and social distancing may be maintained with the priest celebrant.

The family is encouraged to actively participate in the selection of sacred scripture and sacred music for the Funeral Mass.

Viewings /Visitations at Church
Viewings and visitations will not be held at the church at this time.

Printed Booklet/Program
Printed programs are not able to be provided at this time.

Holy Communion
The wearing of masks is necessary during the entire celebration of the Funeral Mass. Those receiving Holy Communion may remove or lower their mask to receive the Eucharist.

Words of Remembrance
Words of remembrance may not take place at this time during the Funeral Mass. The family is encouraged to utilize the funeral home or graveside/committal service to share words of remembrance with those gathered.

Post -Funeral Luncheon
The Parish Hall is not available for funeral luncheons at this time.

St. Paul’s Bereavement Ministry seeks to console members of the parish community who have suffered the loss of a loved one.  Bereavement Ministers provide love and care to the grieving, meeting their needs during this most difficult time of their faith journey.

The ministry also provides community support in the funeral rites, regular check-ins with the family, a listening ear, and help in whatever way the bereaved requests.

No member of our parish family should grieve alone.

For more information, please contact Carol Long at 717-533-4069.