Funerals

Funerals

Funerals are celebrated as needed and at a time convenient for grieving families. For Christians death is not the end of all life, but the final transition in life into the world to come where there will be no more dying. In these difficult moments, the parish community gathers around to support those who are grieving.

Planning a Funeral

All baptized Catholics should have a Funeral Mass (with the body or cremated remains present) or a Memorial Mass (without the body or cremated remains present) offered for the eternal life of the person who has died.

When a death appears to be imminent, the first call should be the mortuary and then the cemetery. Dates cannot be held before the person is deceased. After the death, and after meeting with the mortuary, you may contact the church. The mortuary will guide you in choosing the best date for a funeral mass and burial. Please call the parish office to discuss your options for planning the funeral/memorial mass: (714) 974-1416 ext.105.

Families choose the scriptures and music to fully participate in the Funeral Mass. Our excellent Music Ministry is available to guide you in choosing the approved music selections, and our Bereavement team members are also there to help prepare you on the day of the Funeral Mass.

The Catholic Church prefers that the body be present for the full funeral liturgy and the cremation to take place after the liturgy. However, if it is not possible for the body to be present at the Funeral Mass, cremated remains present is acceptable. The Church requires reverent disposition of cremated remains, which means that the remains are to be sent to a final resting place, without scattering or separating. Please reach out to one of our clergy members for more information about disposition and what may be right for you or your loved one.