Holy Trinity Parish
Planning a Funeral
at Holy Trinity Parish
"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."
Funerals are just as much a part of Catholic life as are baptisms and marriages. Indeed, the funeral is a reminder of baptism. All the symbols at a funeral are baptism symbols. It is there that we pray for your loved one before our Heavenly Father, asking Him to bring the deceased into His heavenly kingdom. We are reminded of His promise to your beloved at baptism that those who follow Christ will have eternal life. A funeral mass is where the community prays for your loved one.If you are considering a funeral at Holy Trinity Parish either for a loved one or in the future for yourself then please read this FAQ below. Hopefully this will answer some questions.
Q. How do I go about arranging for a funeral at Holy Trinity Parish?
Funerals are arranged by the respective funeral homes. If you are looking for a funeral at Holy Trinity Parish, you are welcome to do so, just discuss this with your funeral director.
Q. We want a funeral mass and for various reasons there will be no body present (i.e. the funeral with the deceased's remains is happening in a place far from Quincy and locals want to attend a funeral service, or the body has already been buried or the family has the cremains (ashes) and wants a funeral service)?
Such funeral masses can be booked and planned directly with the pastor. No funeral home is required. Just call 617 479-9200 x304
Q. How much does the funeral cost?
The funeral director pays the parish $550.00 per funeral.
Q. What if we cannot afford a funeral in the Church?
Please speak to the pastor. We would prefer that you have the funeral and your loved one receives the Catholic mass and prayers he or she is entitled to since baptism. Please do not let financial concerns prevent you from having a funeral mass.
Q. May I request a specific priest?
Yes, however, he must be in good standing in the Archdiocese of Boston. No priest, who is not in good standing may celebrate a mass at Holy Trinity Parish.
Q. What about readings?
Someone in the parish or in the funeral home will help you to choose readings. Please see the form below for funeral details. This may be filled out by the funeral director, Parish staff, the pre-deceased or the family whichever is preferred.
Q. What about eulogies?
Eulogies are rather controversial and are strongly discouraged. This is because some eulogies actually discredit the legacy of the deceased.
For example: from actual eulogies:
"Father would not want to know this but good old Uncle Joe took us behind the barn and got us drunk when we were around 10 years old."
"Uncle always made us feel good by telling us that if we did not relax he would murder us."
If you do plan a eulogy, please make sure you note it on this form. Eulogies must be no longer than 5 minutes and must be given by no more than one person. Please make sure they honor the person in a way that celebrates his/her life and faith. If a eulogy extends longer than five minutes, the presiding priest has the right to stop it if necessary.
Q. When can I expect the priest at the wake?
A priest or deacon will arrive at the wake anytime during visiting hours. Due to the schedule of priests, no time is specifically set, however, usually a priest will arrive within the first half hour of the beginning of the wake or the last half hour of the end.
Q. What time can the funeral mass be?
Work with your funeral home on time and usually a time can be arranged that is best for your needs, except for holy days when funerals are forbidden. Night time funerals are also welcome, these are more common in the Hispanic community, but do provide for more people to attend after work.
Q. Is cremation allowed?
Yes, your loved one may be cremated at the cemetary after the funeral, or may be cremated first and the funeral will be scheduled after you receive the ashes, either is permissible. Cremated remains, however, should be buried in accordance with the dignity that your loved one is endowed to receive.
Q. May we bring our own singers/musicians?
A. yes, you may, but we must be informed in a timely manner. Once our musicians are set for the mass, we cannot allow you to bring in your own musicians unless they agree to sing the offertory only.