The death of someone we love is one of the most difficult experiences any of us must face.  Although there is nothing which can compensate for your loss, it is important that we turn to our faith and our community for support.  The community of the Cathedral of St. Mary wishes to offer you that support in your time of grief.  We would like to make you aware of how we can be of service to you and your loved ones.

1. Once you have contacted a funeral home, the director will be in touch with the Cathedral to set a date and time for the funeral.  The funeral liturgy can be either at the Cathedral or the funeral home.  If the deceased is a baptized Christian, we strongly suggest that a funeral mass be celebrated in the Cathedral.

2. The family has the option of having a prayer service (vigil or rosary) on the evening preceding the burial.  This service consists of readings from scripture, prayers for the deceased, and possibly remembrances offered by loved ones.  The director will arrange this with the church, if you wish.

3. If the deceased is cremated before the services, the cremains can be brought into church for the funeral mass.

4. Once we are contacted by the funeral home, a staff member will make arrangements to meet with the family to plan the service.  If there is a funeral mass, the loved ones are encouraged to take an active role by serving as lectors and bringing up the gifts of bread and wine.  These options will be discussed at the time of the funeral planning with the staff. 

5. Whatever service you choose, if there is a burial immediately following, the graveside will consist of  prayers for the deceased.

6. Families usually want to know what they can contribute to the church for the service. Any donation to cover expenses incurred  by the facilities operation is appreciated. Payment for an organist or cantor is covered by the package with the funeral home.

7. Following the service or internment, family are invited to return to Hartmann Hall, if they wish, for a reception / luncheon.  If the family wishes to have a luncheon at the church, please make the request with the funeral coordinator at the Cathedral. The lunches are provided by Cathedral Guild volunteers in the parish, it is dependent upon their availability, and in order to continue this ministry each family is ask to make a donation to the best of their ability.

If you have other needs or requests, please talk with the staff person, with whom you will meet and he or she will try to meet your requests.  We wish to help you in whatever way we can.  God’s consolation be with you.

Olivet Cemetery and Columbarium

Cathedral Columbarium