Saint Paul Catholic Parish, Athens

Funeral Information in English

Funeral Information in Spanish

Funeral Liturgies

"I am the resurrection and the life;
he who believes in me, though he die,
yet shall he live, and whoever lives
and believes in me shall never die."
(John 11:25-26)

On behalf of the Parish Community of St. Paul, we would like to extend our deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one.

Please know that we are here to help you and support you during this difficult time. One of our staff will assist you in the planning of the funeral, and suggest ways for family and friends to be personally involved.

Music Suggestions and Scripture Readings appropriate for the Catholic Funeral Rite are shown below. They are beautiful passages of comfort, peace, and hope. May God’s strength and peace be with you.

Please remember that only hymns and songs approved by the USCCB will be allowed to be sung during funeral liturgies in the church.

For reservation of the church for the Funeral Mass please call the parish office, 256  232 4191.

Funeral Arrangements:

If you decide to have a Mass of Christian Burial or a memorial Mass in the church call the parish office and schedule a meeting with the pastor to set the day and time of the Mass after contacting a local funeral home.

Remember that we do not celebrate Masses at funeral homes.

However, at the funeral home the priest or deacon may lead prayers and perform other funeral liturgies. If you are planning to do all the services at the funeral home, contact the parish office and we will assist you.

If you wish to have the Mass of Christian burial celebrated during the funeral, you need to arrange for the body of the deceased or the cremains to be brought to the church.

Important :

 A funeral rite with or without Mass is the only thing permitted in the church. No other activity, such as slide shows, will be allowed.

The sanctuary is a sacred place indwelt by the divine presence. The tabernacle is the repository of the Eucharist. Please maintain a deep reverence and prayerful silence while you are in the church.

Eulogies, if any, must be pre-approved by the pastor.

The funeral may have 3 main parts:

• Vigil and/or Rosary at the funeral home in the afternoon or evening.
• Mass of Christian Burial in the church or Service in the Funeral Home in the morning.
• Final commendation, and the rite of committal at the cemetery.

Readings and Prayers:

If you decide to have a Funeral Mass, a member of our staff may assist you in selecting the readings and prayers.

Cremation:

If the deceased is to be cremated, the Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated with the cremated remains present.  Church law requires the cremated remains be laid to rest in consecrated ground, either buried or kept in a columbarium.

Celebrating the Mass of Christian Burial:

Liturgical signs and symbols affirm our Christian belief during the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial:

• The Easter candle reminds us of Christ’s presence among the Christian community, His victory over sin and death, and our share in the victory by virtue of our baptism.
• The casket is sprinkled with holy water reminding us of the saving waters of baptism.
• The funeral pall reminds us of the white garment worn at baptism when we were born into eternal life.
• Incense is used during funerals as a sign of honoring the body of the deceased and is a symbol of our prayers rising to heaven before God.

Associated Cost:

• Music: A free-will stipend for the choir is appreciated. 
• Church: A donation is welcome but not mandatory.
• Clergy: A free will offering is welcome but not mandatory.