We welcome your family to Christ the King or St Patrick as you prepare to commend your loved one into the arms of a loving God. The death of a loved one is a difficult time, as you are required to make many decisions in a short amount of time. It is our hope that the instructions below can help you in that process.
You may call the rectory at (802) 773-6820 or contact us via email. Please ask to speak to one of the priests about planning a funeral should you have questions or wish to begin the process of planning a funeral. We are here to help you in your grieving process and of commending your loved one to the Lord.
The parish priests can provide graveside services as needed. The parish does not coordinate these services with the cemetery. The family must make the call directly to the cemetery to do so. The funeral home will also make graveside service arrangements, upon request.
To help you prepare for your deceased family member’s funeral Mass, here are the places for you to consider for family and friends' participation. Please know that you are not required to take part at all; the parish will provide for all or some part of this if need be.
There are four places for approved hymns that are normally sung as part of the liturgy of the church. The processional, offertory, communion and recessional hymns are all part of the prayer of the church. As Catholics, we realize that funerals are a difficult time for all involved. We also recognize that music plays a very important part in the lives of many, and that certain songs remind us of our loved ones. We respect and appreciate that. However, as Catholics, we only play or sing sacred music in church. We do not sing or play non-sacred music in church – either during the Mass, prior to the Mass or following the Mass. This includes music that has a religious connotation but is not a sacred hymn. Below is a list of hymns that you may choose.
Please note: the music is provided by the parish. If you have a request for a particular singer or musician, this must be arranged with the director of music, either through the funeral home or by calling the rectory at (802) 773-6820.
There are Old Testament and New Testament readings. Below are links to the readings you may choose. The priest will choose the gospel unless you have a recommendation. Give some thought to one or two people who will proclaim the Old and New Testament readings.
There is the offertory of bread, wine and water. Two or three people are often used for this moment during the Mass. Four is the maximum number of people for this procession of the sacred species.
Finally, one person may optionally deliver a brief eulogy at the funeral Mass. If delivered, it should be centered on the faith and Christian virtues of the deceased. The eulogist also makes any announcements requested by the family. There are no songs as part of the eulogy. The eulogy is to be written out, and the priest-celebrant reserves the right to review it beforehand.
The hall of either parish may be used for a post-funeral reception, depending on availability. The family are responsible for all catering, setup, and clean-up. The parish does not employ a kitchen staff for events.
Your funeral director will guide you in your decision-making. You may call the rectory at (802) 773-6820 and ask to speak to one of the priests about planning a funeral. Please know that we are here to help you in your grief and in commending your loved one to the Lord.
To make your selections, either use the form below or give your choices directly to the parish.
Peace to you,
Msgr Bernard Bourgeois, pastor