The St. Wenceslaus funeral guide began with an introductory note from my pastor, Father Mike Eckley. In that note he reminded me that a Christian funeral “… is a statement of hope in the resurrection of the dead.”
The second section of the guide was entitled “Preparing the Vigil,” the vigil being a service that is usually held the evening before the funeral. The vigil has some of the same elements as a funeral (e.g., music, readings, homily). It also includes a “litany” of pre-written prayers for the deceased. The vigil often includes a decade or more of the Rosary and time for both personal and communal sharing. The vigil is often held at the funeral home, where the body has been prepared; but it could also be held at St. Wenceslaus. I have decided, in my case, to forgo any sort of vigil.
The third section of the guide is on “Preparing the Funeral Mass or Memorial Mass.” For a variety of reasons, I have decided to be cremated and have a memorial service (without a Mass) as outlined below:
Funeral Presider: The presider can be a priest or a deacon.
Funeral Place: I would like the service to be held in the day chapel at St. Wenceslaus (if, of course, we are still living in Omaha).
Funeral Time: Given that the service involves cremation, there is more flexibility as to when the service needs to be held. I suggest that it be held within 4-14 days of my death (with consideration given to any weather or travel issues). I expect that the service (mostly readings) will be short, so I would suggest a 10:30 AM start (with a brief visitation before the service and a lunch to follow immediately).
Funeral Readings: I have selected the following passages for the service:
First Reading (Easter season): Revelation 14:13 (NT-17)
First Reading (Other seasons): 2 Maccabees 12:43-46 (OT-7)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27 (P-3)
Second Reading: Revelation 21:1-5a,6b-7 (NT-19)
Gospel Reading: John 6:51-58 (G-13)
The Gospel Reading is always read by the Presider. The Responsorial Psalm may be sung by the musicians. I am fine with the Presider reading the other readings also.
Funeral Homily: The guide notes that “It is always welcomed to have input as to what would be important to be shared at the funeral.” Accordingly, I have written a homily for the Presider – to read during the service – or use as my input – at his discretion. More to follow.
Universal Prayer (Petitions): I have selected “Form-2” to be led by the Presider.
Eulogies: Per the funeral guide, eulogies are not allowed during the service. Stories and memories may be shared before the service or during the following luncheon. I would suggest that any such stories and memories be shared informally before or after the service.
Music: Contact the St. Wenceslaus Funeral Coordinator about available musicians and their customary stipends. The funeral guide listed 38 songs that could be sung during the service. I selected three well-known songs with familiar melodies: Amazing Grace, I Heard the Voice of Jesus, and On Eagle’s Wings. I would be honored if Pastor Dave would play the organ before, during, or after the service. More to follow.
Other Items (not Included in the Funeral Guide)
Funeral Home / Cemetery: I will leave this matter up to my survivors. My wife is ahead of me on this one – having already made some arrangements (via John A Gentleman Mortuaries). Hopefully, we can be interned in the same cemetery, wherever that might be. One possible option might include the five Omaha Archdiocese cemeteries (https://catholiccem.com). Their website has a helpful FAQ section with information on cremations, mausoleums, and columbariums.
Funeral Program: Work with the funeral home. I would suggest that the program include information on the appropriate responses during the service (e.g., to the responsorial psalm).
Obituary: I wrote out a simple obituary – something to start with. More to follow.
Memorials: To the Holy Family Shrine, where I volunteered for many years.
Updates: I will maintain a “Bob’s Funeral” folder in the file cabinet with any updates to this plan and other personal matters (that I have not included in this public blog). In that folder I have also placed a folder entitled “Into the Father’s Hands,” by Catholic Cemeteries – Archdiocese of Omaha.
Part 3 Tomorrow = Why?