Welcome to St. Catherine of Siena Funeral Host Ministry

First and foremost, we want to thank you for consideration on being a funeral host. While this day may be a difficult day for our parishioners, the funeral hosts have a very important role in offering support to families on the day they need it the most. Please use the reference checklist below for Funeral Masses here at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church:  

• Arrive in the Narthex one hour and 10 minutes prior to the funeral Mass. Please take personal items like a coat or purse and leave it in the sacristy. Then return to the Narthex. The sacristan will make sure all of the lights and doors are open for the funeral. 

• Introduce yourself to the Funeral Home Director (if they are in attendance) & notify them you are here to support the family, and if they have any additional questions.

• Welcome & greet families to our church as they arrive. Example “On behalf of St. Catherine’s, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time. My name is ___________, and I am here for additional support. Funeral programs with the order of Mass can be found on the small table here in the Narthex.” 

• Identify the Readers and advise that they please sit near the end of the pews to easily access the ambo. The funeral host will assist on properly training the readers to turn on/off microphones and bowing toward the altar before stepping up to the ambo. Readers should be escorted back promptly to the Narthex before the funeral Mass begins. Funeral hosts will need to notify the first reader that they will be going up immediately after the processional hymn. Please remind the second reader that they will go up to the ambo immediately after the Psalm (which is sung by the cantor).

• Before Mass begins, the celebrant will begin with the blessing of the body in the Narthex with Holy Water (Blessing of Casket or Urn). After the blessing is completed, the celebrant will ring the bells, and the procession down the center aisle begins with the pall bearers and casket or with the urn. The family can then process in the church using the center aisle. The funeral host will then close the glass door and process into the church. 

• Funeral hosts are encouraged to attend the funeral mass and notify families that you will be sitting near the Mary side in the first or second pew and not directly behind the family. We would like to respect their privacy and not be intrusive. Funeral hosts can be helpful in setting an example of proper worship during Mass. (When to stand, kneel, etc.) The priest will use their best judgement in making an announcement to “Please Stand”.

• When the celebrant begins the final blessing (prior to the recessional hymn) discreetly return to the Narthex and wait for the Mass to end. Express your deepest condolences again to the family as the family exits the church. 

• Funeral hosts may attend the burial or inurnments if they wish but it is not required.