Mass of Christian Burial

Please know that You and your deceased loved one and family are in the prayers of the parish during this time. 

"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."

More on An Overview of Catholic Funeral Rites may be found by clicking here.

Planning A Funeral at St. John the Baptist Church
The Funeral Director you will be working with will first contact us to arrange all dates and times for the Viewing (if requested) and Mass of Christian Burial.

Once the date and time arrangements are confirmed, we invite you and your family members to help plan the Liturgy for your loved one's Mass.  We will reach out to schedule a meeting with your family and the presiding Priest at the St. John the Baptist Parish Center (Rectory), 146 Rector Street.  You may begin to choose readings and music selections at the links below.

Participating in the Liturgy

Family and friends are encouraged to participate in the Mass through readings, and the offertory procession within the Mass.  You may choose one reader for all of the readings - (First Reading - Old Testament, Second Reading - New Testament, and Prayer of the Faithful); or three readers.  You will also choose a Gospel reading, which is read only by the Priest or Deacon.  Additionally you may choose two additional family members or friends to present the offertory gifts of Bread and Wine at the Altar. 

Please Download each of the documents below to plan your loved one's Mass of Christian Burial:

• Funeral Liturgy Planning Guide
  
  
• Funeral Bio Information

• Funeral Mass Preparation

• Reading 1 - Old Testament / OR options during Eastertime (Easter Sunday through Ascension Thursday)

• Reading 2 - New Testament

• Gospel (Read by Clergy)

• Prayer of the Faithful

• Liturgical Music Selections 

• Additional Option: Livestreaming

Facilities

There is a restroom in the church vestibule and our church is handicapped accessible.

Accessibility
At the break in center of church there are pews for disabled and wheelchair access.
Strollers may be stored in the church vestibule or rear of church, and clear of the aisles.
The church is not air conditioned at this time.
Handicapped only spots are available adjacent to church main entrance on Rector Street, marked with signs to the ramped entrance; also in the Church Parking Lot at 4211 Cresson Street, and on Rector street in front of the church main entrance.

Parking

You may enter our Church Parking Lot on 4211 Cresson Street. The lot closes and is gated after the Funeral ends and the procession leaves the church;  please ask your guests to remove their car or it may be locked in overnight.

11/23/21