Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional time in the life of a family. It is also a time when numerous decisions need to be made as we seek to honor the person who has died, to give thanks to God for the gift of life and to express our faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the knowledge that “those who have died with him, will live with him.” This information is provided to help guide you through the process of preparing for a funeral at Lumen Christi Catholic Church.
The Funeral Home
Having a funeral home involved in the preparations and planning for a funeral, as well as being present for the services, is invaluable. Unfortunately, Lumen Christi cannot provide the same services as a funeral home and for that reason we would strongly encourage every family to make contact with a funeral home in preparation for a funeral.
Time of the Funeral
While being a very large parish, Lumen Christi makes every effort to set a funeral time that is
convenient for the family. Our preferred time for a funeral Mass is in the morning. However, funerals can be scheduled at other times of the day if a priest and music minister are available. We would also suggest that one member of the family serve as the primary contact person for the funeral home and for the parish. To avoid miscommunication, we would ask that the funeral home make direct contact with one of our priests in scheduling a funeral.
Funeral Planning
Both our priests and music ministers would like to meet with members of the family to prepare a funeral celebration. Someone from the parish will be in contact with you to arrange for this meeting.
The Visitation and Vigil
It is our suggestion that visitations be scheduled the evening prior to the Funeral Mass and take place at a funeral home. This allows more people to attend and pay their respects for the deceased, as well as, giving the family an opportunity to rest before celebrating the Funeral Mass. Visitations are allowed in church, however, with the casket placed in front of the church and display boards in the lobby. Please note that we may not always be able to provide a priest or deacon for a Vigil Service.
The Committal Service
When possible, a priest or a deacon will accompany the family to the committal at the cemetery. This is not always possible, however, and funeral directors are authorized to lead the committal prayer service.
The Reception
Many families enjoy gathering with friends to honor their loved one. Most often this is done at a local restaurant. Lumen Christi may be able to provide either St James Hall or St Cecilia Hall for a reception. Please note that the halls are not always available and because of fire codes can only accommodate smaller gatherings. Lumen Christi volunteers can provide coffee for a reception and the food and other beverages can be catered in from a number of local businesses.
Music
The music at a Funeral Mass is an important part of the celebration of the liturgy. Our music
ministers do their best to accommodate the wishes of the family with the hymns chosen for the Mass. Please note that recorded music and secular music cannot be used at the Mass. If there is a favorite song that is not sacred in nature, we would suggest that it be played at the reception.
Eulogies
Preparing a eulogy is not a requirement of the funeral celebration. If your family would like to
say a few words about the deceased, the most appropriate place for this to happen is at the
Visitation at the funeral home or at the reception. Lumen Christi will allow one eulogy at a Funeral Mass, of no more than five minutes in duration. We would also ask that it be typed and that it focus on the faith and virtue of the deceased.
Parish Cemetery & Burial
The Catholic Cemetery serves as a symbol of the extended community of believers, a community unbroken by death. It stands as a reminder of the need to prepare throughout our lives here on earth for that life which is to come and which will be lived with God forever.
Our cemetery is located at the intersection of West Mequon Road and Range Line Road (across the street from the church building). We have space available for both above-ground inurnments in our columbarium and traditional ground burials.