Guidelines for planning a Funeral

Planning the Vigil or Wake

  • If the family wishes, a priest or a deacon at St. Thomas Aquinas will offer the Rite of the Vigil for the Deceased before the funeral (usually the preceding day).


  • The Vigil for the Deceased is the principal rite celebrated by the Church in the time following death and before the funeral Liturgy. It is customary to celebrate it at some point during the wake, which is held in the funeral home, in the house of the deceased or at another appropriate location.


  • The practice of scheduling a specific hour for the Vigil for the Deceased is encouraged in order for more of the faithful, your family and your friends to pray with you and to offer expressions of sympathy.


  • The Vigil for the Deceased does not replace the Funeral.


  • The Vigil does not exclude nor replace particular devotions, such as the rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which are encouraged by the Church and are fitting during the wake.


  • The Vigil for the Deceased is an appropriate time for family and friends to speak in remembrance of the deceased. This is an opportune time to give a more formal eulogy. 

Guidelines for Planning the Funeral Mass

  • Funerals are generally scheduled during the morning on weekdays around 10:00am. Also, funeral Masses are possible during the afternoon on weekdays around 2:00pm or 3:00pm. Funerals cannot be celebrated on Sundays. 


  • Please note that funerals cannot be scheduled during the normal Liturgical Schedule, such as our Mass and confession times or if there is already another event or liturgy scheduled in the Church. In addition, funeral Masses cannot be scheduled on Holy Days of Obligation, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.


  • Funeral liturgies, whether inside or outside of Mass, are the prayer of the whole Church offered to God on behalf of the deceased. Personal expressions of love and devotion are truly important but are more appropriate at other times. As such, Eulogies are not typically given at the funeral. Instead, families are encouraged to offer the Eulogy at the Vigil for the deceased or at private familial gatherings following the Rite of Committal.


  • The parish funeral coordinator or priest will provide guidance and support in choosing appropriate sacred music and scriptures to honor your loved one in a way that befits their life and legacy.

Guidelines for Planning the Rite of Committal

  • The Rite of Committal is celebrated at the place of burial. It is not celebrated at any other location.



  • If desired, military services and certain cultural or social rites are permissible at the cemetery. These other services should be arranged in advance with the presiding priest, who will ensure that they are coordinated in such a way that neither the Rite of Committal, nor the ceremony are robbed of integrity or due dignity.