Funerals
Where to start if you've experienced a loss or would like to make advanced plans
Funerals and funeral arrangements are managed by the Pastoral Care office.
Contact
770-552-6400 x6034
The office meets with the families and works with clergy and parish staff to assure the funeral gives honor to the deceased. A Pastoral Care staff member is present at all funerals that take place at the parish.
Note: Funerals are held Tuesday–Thursday at 11:00am or 2:00pm and Friday at 11:00am only.
Who do I call when I need to plan a funeral?
When a death has occurred, the family should contact the Pastoral Care office to inform them of the death. The Pastoral Care office will coordinate with the family to set a date and time for the funeral. It is preferable to speak with Pastoral Care prior to making arrangements with the funeral home.
Contact
Karen Boyle, MA
770-522-6400 x 6034
What do I need to know before I start planning?
A Catholic funeral Mass is held in the church in celebration and thanksgiving for the life of the deceased.
This takes place with either the body present or with the cremated remains. The funeral Mass expresses faith in Jesus’s victory over death and our personal share in that resurrection. The liturgy should offer both comfort during the present sorrow and great hope for the future.
A funeral Mass at St. Ann may be held ONLY Tuesday through Thursday at 11:00am or 2:00pm and on Fridays at 11:00am.
The Pastoral Care team at St. Ann will provide materials to families.
All funeral times are dependent on the existing scheduled events in the church. The family meets with the priest and Pastoral Care staff prior to the funeral to plan the liturgy, including selecting readings and music.
View the full funeral planning booklet provided to families by the St. Ann Pastoral Care team:
What can I do while things are being planned?
Catholic funeral Masses
As Christians, Catholics believe in the afterlife. Catholic funerals are a celebration of life, however, the Catholic Chuch follows rites and rituals that honor the tradition of our faith. As such, there will be protocols that must be followed and etiquette that will be suggested to families.
If you are a family planning a funeral who may not be Catholic, or you just don't know the ins and outs of it all, our Pastoral Care team is trained to answer all questions and address details pertaining to liturgical and funeral planning at St. Ann. We are here for you during this time.
Please provide the celebrant with a brief biography of the deceased prior to the funeral, if possible.
These are notes that go into a loved one's obituary. The priest or deacon will use the notes provided as well as information given to them and the pastoral care team to create a homily and loving memorial for the deceased.
Decide who will be involved.
Catholic funeral Masses have many opportunies to include special recognitions for those important in a loved one's life. See the planning materials to see where your family can be involved in funeral/memorial celebrations.
Decide on special donations, flowers and rememberances while you are planning.
Will your family set up an 'in lieu of flowers' request that we are able to share? Will you have family or friends who may wish to be present by watching the service online? Where do you get prayer cards?
Will you need to plan a reception at St. Ann?
Click the Funeral Reception link below for details.
Read the full Mass planning questionaire and Funeral planning materials at the links listed below.