Celebrating a Funeral
Let God gather to himself what he has planted in His garden… He takes nothing out of season.
~ St. Francis de Sales
Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and hope of the just.
The Celebration of the Christian Funeral brings hope and consolation to the living.
Order of Christian Funeral
What to do when someone has died and you want a funeral at OLGC?
First - contact a funeral home. Arrangements are made between the funeral home and OLGC; including the date and time of the funeral. Any fees are included in the charges paid through the funeral home.
Second - arrange a meeting to plan the Funeral Mass. You will be contacted to set up this meeting which includes time with the priest who will celebrate the funeral and the Director of Liturgy. The meeting will walk you through the various elements of the funeral, including the scripture readings and the music. If you would like to begin planning before meeting, please look at the Guide for the Funeral Liturgy Planning.
Suggested Music Selections for Funerals
Some considerations:
Funerals are ordinarily celebrated at OLGC Monday - Thursday at 11am or on Saturday at 11am. Please enter the OLGC Campus via Niblick Drive.
Cremation - If cremation has been chosen, it is encouraged for the cremated remains be brought to the church for a Funeral Mass. The cremated remains are to be treated with the same dignity and respect as the body.
Funeral Luncheon - If the family wishes and DeSales Hall is available, a simple luncheon of sandwiches, salads and desserts is provided by the Bereavement Ministry immediately following the funeral. This gives the family of the deceased some peace of mind at a time of distress.
Funeral Minister to assist at the Funeral Mass - The Funeral Minister assists the family and friends of the deceased who assemble on the day of the funeral. They greet the family and guests, support and guide those proclaiming the Word, and instruct the gift bearers. There is a Funeral Minister assigned for each funeral at OLGC.
Funeral Program - A funeral program is provided for the Funeral Mass. It contains the Order of the Mass, the scripture readings and music, as well as those who are participating in the various roles of the Mass. It can contain a couple of pictures or other remembrances of the deceased.
Eulogies - Eulogies are ordinarily not permitted at the funeral Mass. However, a brief reflection can be offered after Communion. This will be discussed at the time of the meeting with the priest.
Contact: Director of Liturgy, 703.896.7411
Ministry of Compassion - Consider joining this group for support and to embrace your journey more serenely. Click here for more information.
Some funerals are livestreamed on our YouTube Channel. Links to individual services can be found in the calendar event below.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of a loved one.
Please enter OLGC Campus via Niblick Drive when attending a funeral.