Funeral Arrangements
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Planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one can be
quite overwhelming.  It is important to us, the staff at St.
Anne, to help you make these arrangements with as much
knowledge and the least amount of stress possible.  

Every baptised Catholic has the rite to a Catholic Funeral



Church

Either you or your funeral director will need to contact the
church office to arrange the date and time for the Funeral /
Memorial Mass.  Once the date, time, and priest are
scheduled, a member of our parish will contact you to
arrange a visit.  The purpose of this visit is to discuss the
readings, music, and details of the funeral.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is the difference between a Memorial Mass and
a Funeral Mass?

A:  A Funeral Mass has the body (either in the closed casket or
the cremains in a sealed urn) present during the Mass.

Q:  Do we have to have a Rosary / Vigil Service to have a catholic funeral?

A:  No.  There are many different options available to you.  Of course, we always encourage
you to respect the wishes of your deceased loved one.  Most embrace the idea of a Vigil at the
Funeral Home because this is the most appropriate place for someone to deliver a short Eulogy.  
The Vigil is your opportunity to open the floor up to those who want to share their stories about
your loved one.  Also, with funerals usually being during a weekday morning, some guests can
only make it to the Vigil to pay their respects.



Q:  Will the priest be at the Funeral Home for the Vigil service?

A:  No.  The Vigil is a Liturgy of the Word service.  One of the deacons will be there to lead the
Prayers for the deceased, if desired.



Q:  It is important for our family to have a viewing.  Will we be able to have the casket
open during the Funeral Mass?

A:  The casket is to remain closed for the actual Funeral Mass.  The time for the viewing is at
the funeral home either at the Vigil the night before, or on the day of the funeral Mass before at
the funeral home before coming to the church.



Q:  Is it acceptable for a Catholic to be cremated?

A:  Yes.  The Church's definite preference is for burial of the body.  However, since 1963
cremation has been permitted, although at that time the cremated remains were not allowed
to be present during the Funeral Mass.  In 1997 the Vatican gave the bishops of the United
States permission to allow the celebration of the Funeral Mass with the cremated remains
present with the permission of the local bishop.  We have a lot of Funeral Masses with the
cremains present in the urn.  We ask the family to provide a large picture of the deceased to
display by the urn so their presence can truly be felt.



Q:  Do we have to inter the ashes at the cemetery, or can we scatter them at sea, keep
them at home, etc.?

A:  Respectful final disposition of cremated remains involves interment or entombment.  The
practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping
cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent
disposition that the Church requires.



Q:  Can I have the body present in a casket at the Funeral Mass and have it cremated
after the funeral?

A:  Yes.  We ask that you make arrangements for the graveside service as soon as possible to
properly inter the ashes in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.



For assistance with planning a funeral please call Elaine Bulanda at 708.335.2286
Special Liturgies
Liturgical Ministries
Serving Hazel Crest, East Hazel Crest and beyond since 1949
St. Anne
Catholic Church
St. Anne Catholic Church

Office/Mailing Address:
16802 Lincoln Street
Hazel Crest, IL 60429

Church Address:
16801 Dixie Highway
Hazel Crest, IL 60429

Phone:  708.335.1792
Fax: 708.335.1953