The death of a loved is a trying time for those left behind.  The Church provides the opportunity to mourn the loss of a loved one while celebrating their life in Baptism.  Yet, we are always encouraged by Jesus' presence with us and we are reminded that "life has changed, not ended."  On this page, you will find some helpful resources to assist you in planning for a wake and funeral through St. Mary's.

Catholics traditionally celebrate the life of a passed loved one through a Vigil Service (the Wake), the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal (Interment or Burial).  Bishop Serratelli recently published a Pastoral Letter titled Home to God: Pastoral Guidelines for Catholic Funerals which can be a good source on the Funeral Rites.

Vigil

The wake typically takes place in a Funeral Home.  There are several in our local area with a few listed below:

Bermingham Funeral Home (216 South Main Street Wharton, NJ 07885, 973-366-0520)  

Smith-Taylor-Ruggiero Funeral Home (1 Baker Avenue Dover, NJ 07801, 973-366-0382)

Tuttle Funeral Home (272 Route 10 West Randolph, NJ 07869, 973-366-7400)

Funeral Mass

The Funeral Mass is held in the home parish of the deceased.  While the funeral home will typically walk you through the entire process, the planning for the mass may be handled by the individual parish.  At St. Mary's, the family is welcome to meet with a member of the Pastoral Staff in order to provide counsel and facilitate the the Funeral Rites.  In order to assist with this process, the document below may serve as a guide for the meaning behind the Funeral Rites and the liturgical options available for planning a Funeral Mass.

St. Mary's Funeral Planning Guide

Rite of Committal

St. Mary's Parish Cemetery is on a plot of land on Hurd Street- about a 1/4 mile from the church.  After the Funeral Liturgy, the family and friends escort the body to the final resting place accompanied by a priest or deacon.  Plots can be purchased through the Parish Office during normal business hours.  For additional information regarding creamation, please talk with the Funeral Home director and the Pastoral Staff.  It is important to note that both traditional burial and creamation are permitted by the Church, however the presence of the body throughout the Funeral Rites is valued (USCCB; Creamation and The Order of Christian Funerals).

Regulations for St. Mary's Cemetery