How do I arrange a funeral?

Please accept our condolences on the death of your loved one. Usually a family makes arrangements via a funeral director, who will contact the parish to set a day or time.

Sometimes, the funeral director will ask the family to contact the parish. If so, please call 410.922.3800, ext 4.
​
We have a planning packet to assist you in planning the funeral liturgy with the priest, including suggested Bible readings, hymns, and ways in which people can participate.
​
The celebration of your loved one's life as a gift from God is an aspect of the funeral. The primary focus is to commend your loved one to God, whom we worship as the One who loves us and gives us victory over death. We are praying for the repose of the soul of your loved one. Through the purifying love of God, may they experience the joy of everlasting life with God.
​
What types of funerals can be held in the church?
-- Mass of Christian Burial
-- Memorial Mass
-- Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass
​
Can we schedule Christian Wake or a "Family Hour" before the funeral?
Yes. It is usually scheduled for 30 or 60 minutes before the funeral.
​
Can we have a eulogy?
If you would like to have a eulogy, the Archdiocese of Baltimore permits only one eulogy immediately before the funeral begins. Additional eulogies can be offered at the funeral home and/or reception after the funeral.
​
The eulogy should be prepared and last no longer than five minutes. Father Harris wants to be available to minister to your family. However, please understand that he will have other ministry obligations to fulfill too.
​
Eulogists must remember that their remarks must be appropriate for speaking in a church and in front of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. It would be very appropriate to offer a brief witness about the importance of faith in your loved ones's life. The use of props, visual aids, or memorabilia is most appropriate at the funeral home or the reception, but not in the church. The use of profanity is any context is unacceptable. 
​
If your cultural custom is to have a reading of the obituary and acknowledgment of a few cards received, then it would be done before the eulogy.
​
Can we have a repast or reception in the Parish Hall?
We are sorry. We are not able to accommodate these requests due to our available resources.
​
​