Funerals & St. Paul Cemetery

Because of our belief in the immortality of the soul and in the resurrection of the body, we profess hope in the face of death. The Catholic Church provides a number of prayers for the faithful to offer both to accompany the dying of a loved one and to strengthen our faith upon their death. Through our private prayers and public funeral rites, we strengthen our faith and hope, comfort those who mourn, and bury the bodily remains of the deceased with care befitting what was the Temple of the Holy Spirit. - USCCB
 

Funeral planning is typically done in conjunction with a chosen funeral home and the family of the deceased. Our pastor and staff will assist the families in choosing the scripture readings, music, and prayers to accompany the funeral. Church availability for funerals is flexible based on the needs of the family. If you need to plan a funeral please call our parish office so we can support you during this time and help you plan a beautiful liturgy.

Though we never know when our earthly lives will come to an end, those wishing to plan their funeral liturgy in advance are encouraged to call our parish office so we can provide you with the resources and assistance you need. 

St. Paul's cemetery is located on the corner of Hwy. DE and Snowdon Rd. The cemetery is available to anyone who has been a member, in good standing, of St. Paul parish for at least one year. Please call the main office for more information. See St. Paul Cemetery Guidelines.

When a visitation and funeral are held in the parish, the Bereavement committee provides hospitality in the Family Room. If a family wishes to have a gathering after the funeral, a meal can be requested; contact the parish office for more information.

Further support is provided for the family at the annual All Souls Day liturgy.  We honor the memory of the one who has died at this mass; family members are invited to light a candle during the mass which burns the month of November.  A small reception for the families and parish is held after this mass.  The Bereavement committee sends Christmas and Easter cards to the families to remind them that they and their loved ones continue to be in our prayers.  In addition, a mass is offered for each of these loved ones on the one year anniversary of their death.

In the last few years, a Bereavement Support Group has been hosted in late November for people grieving the lost of a loved one.  The presentations focus on the grieving process, how to take care of oneself as one moves through the grieving process, and how to get through the holidays.

Contact the parish office if you would like more information about this ministry, new members for this ministry of support are always welcome.