Dear Friends,

We wish to offer our deepest sympathy. Our Catholic faith, through the Funeral Rites, commends those who have died to God's merciful love and expresses our faith in Christ's victory over death.  The Funeral Liturgy can bring us great comfort as it reminds us of God's love and mercy and His promise to be with us always.

Here at St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish, we wish to show our support for you during this difficult time.  After making arrangements with the funeral home, a member of our Funeral Liturgy Planning Ministry will contact you to assist in preparing the Funeral Liturgy.  Information in the Funeral Forms and Selection section to the right affords you the opportunity to look through specific Scripture passages, liturgical music and other options in keeping with the directives of the Catholic Church as well as specific policies in our parish and this will help you to prepare for the meeting with members of the Funeral Liturgy Planning Ministry.  You may download these documents and print them out for reference. Please do not hesitate to contact us if there are any questions.

You may find all appropriate forms on the menu to the right

•The Funeral Mass Selection Sheet will show you the various aspects of the Mass inwhich you may make choices.    

•The Funeral Scripture Readings are the readings from the Bible that may be read.

•The Hymns for Funerals selection sheet will allow you to choose several religious hymns which will be sung. Since each church has its own music minister, please choose from the selection sheet for the specfic church. 

It is recommended that if a eulogy is given, that it be done at the funeral home before the Mass or the reception following the Mass.  In the event you prefer to have a eulogy at church, please read the policy on Eulogies in church.  These words should primarily focus on the virtues and example of faith shown in the life of the deceased. Please note that, if the eulogy is IN THE CHURCH,  ONLY ONE EULOGY is allowed, not to exceed 5 minutes, and will be given at the beginning of the Mass.  To assure that your words are appropriate for the sacredness of the Mass as well as in line with Catholic beliefs,  a copy of the prepared text must be forwarded to the priest the day before the Funeral Mass at office@falmouthcatholic.org or given to the Funeral Liturgy Planning Minister.