Funeral Planning

Our Catholic way of life teaches us that death is not an end of life but a change. In the burial of a Christian, we celebrate the faith of a deceased person and Christ’s victory over death and suffering. Christian burial is a time for family and friends to console each other with the words of Christ and the liturgy of the Church

We're Here to Help

Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. Saint Thomas Aquinas is here to support you and your family during this difficult time. Our Funeral Coordinator is available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have, and we encourage you to reach out to us for any support or assistance you need. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

From St. Thomas Aquinas in Hyde Park

 

The Catholic Funeral Rites consist of three parts: the Vigil for the Deceased, the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal. These services provide comfort to the bereaved, while also honoring the life of the deceased.

Planning a Catholic Funeral

Calling the Church 435-752-1478

  • The first step is to contact St. Thomas Aquinas and talk things over with a priest. In addition to helping with the logistical steps, the priest will also walk with you and pray for you and your family during this difficult time.  
  • The Funeral Coordinator or another staff member will assist in making plans for the vigil, funeral and burial.
  • If you are not a member of your loved one’s church, you may feel hesitant or nervous about reaching out, but remember that planning funerals is an essential duty of local Catholic churches. The parish priest is familiar with the process, and they will be glad you contacted them about a member of their parish.

  • To schedule a funeral, please contact:

Fr. Oscar Martin Picos  

435-752-1478 ext. 101


Fr. Anthony Shumway

435-752-1478 ext. 102 

fr.shumway@dioslc.org


Calling the Funeral Home

  • Next, contact the funeral home. 
  • The funeral director will be your guide throughout the process and one of your most helpful resources. Your funeral director can assist you with choosing traditional burial or cremation, taking care of the deceased’s remains, selecting a headstone and cemetery, arranging funeral programs and flowers, choosing between an open or closed casket and deciding whether to embalm the body.

Picking a Date

• A date and time should be set for the Vigil or Wake, the Funeral Mass, and the Burial.


• Funeral Masses are generally scheduled at 10:00am on weekdays. Also, Funeral Masses are possible at 2:00pm or 3:00pm on weekdays.  Funerals cannot be celebrated on Sundays. 


• Funeral Masses at St. Thomas Aquinas may be preceded by a visitation, either in the church or at the funeral home. 


• The Vigil (Wake Service) is typically held on the evening before the Funeral Mass. 


• Burial or committal is normally scheduled immediately following the Funeral Mass.


• These dates should be coordinated between your family, the funeral home and St. Thomas Aquinas to make sure that it works well for all involved. 

Plan the Funeral Liturgies


English Funeral Coordinator

Nicole Held

435-752-1478 ext. 109 

sta.religioused106@gmail.com