St. Columba ParishFirst steps
If a death is expected or has just happened, call the parish at 416-555-0142 (press 9 outside office hours) so that a priest can come to pray with the family. Then contact a funeral home; they will call us to arrange the date.
A Catholic funeral does three things: it commends the person who has died to God's mercy, it gives thanks for their life, and it gathers the living to grieve with hope. The parish celebrates about forty funerals a year. There is no such thing as a family too small, a person too unknown or a death too difficult for the Church to bury with dignity.
The three moments
The vigil
Usually the evening before, at the funeral home or in the church: Scripture, prayers and, if the family wishes, the rosary and words of remembrance. This is the natural place for eulogies, photographs and music that would not suit the Mass.
The funeral Mass
In the church, usually at 10:00 or 11:00 AM on a weekday, occasionally Saturday morning. The body or the cremated remains are received at the door, sprinkled with water and covered with the white pall recalling baptism. The Mass includes readings chosen by the family, a homily, the Eucharist and the final commendation. About an hour. A funeral Liturgy outside Mass is also possible, led by a deacon.
The committal
At the cemetery or crematorium: a short rite of prayers as the body is laid to rest. Many families choose one of the Archdiocese's Catholic cemeteries — Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Services — which offer pre-planning at no obligation.
Planning the Mass
The priest or deacon meets the family, usually the day after the death, to plan. You will choose two readings and a psalm from a booklet we provide, and family members may proclaim them. The Director of Music helps choose hymns — sacred music is used within the Mass, while secular songs belong at the vigil or reception. One family member may offer a few words of remembrance (three to four minutes, written down) before the final commendation. Photographs and a memorial table are welcome in the narthex.
Practical questions
Cremation
The Church permits cremation. Where possible the funeral Mass takes place with the body present, followed by cremation; the ashes are then buried or entombed in a cemetery or columbarium, kept together, not scattered or divided. Our parish columbarium niches in the memorial garden are available to parishioners; ask the office.
Offerings
The customary offering to the parish is $350 for the funeral Mass, and $250 for the musicians, both usually arranged through the funeral home. They are waived without question for families in need. The priest's stipend is included.
The person who died was not a practising Catholic, or died by suicide.
Any baptized Catholic may have a Catholic funeral, whatever their practice; the Church also buries the non-Catholic spouse or child of a Catholic family. The Church entrusts every death — including death by suicide — to the mercy of God, and prays for the person without judgment.
Can the funeral be livestreamed?
Yes, at no cost, with a private link for relatives who cannot travel. Ask when planning.
Reception
The Catholic Women's League offers a light reception (sandwiches, sweets, tea and coffee) in the parish hall after the funeral for a modest charge; book it through the office.
Afterwards
Grief does not end at the cemetery gate. Our Bereavement Ministry offers an eight-week support group each spring and fall, one-to-one companions, and a Mass of Remembrance on All Souls' Day (November 2) to which every family we have buried in the past year is invited. You can have a Mass offered on the anniversary, and the parish prays for the recently deceased at every weekend Mass in the month after the funeral.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.