St John The Baptist Catholic Community

Located at: 1301 Osage Avenue in Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Phone: (505)983-5034 - Fax: (505)983-1861


FUNERAL GUIDELINES   -  March  9, 2009

Our most sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of our parishioners who have recently died! In the spirit of charity and simplicity we have finalized the following guidelines for funerals at St. John's. If you have any concerns or questions contact the Parish Office as soon as possible.

1. FUNERAL MASSES. St. John's funeral masses are scheduled at 9:00 a.m. No date or time will be finalized for funerals until family has made arrangements in the Parish Office.

2. WAKE SERVICE or ROSARY. If the family has a relative or friend who is able to lead the rosary at the wake service we ask that the family make these arrangements. If the family does not have someone to lead the rosary the Parish will try to find someone. Only one wake service or rosary is permitted in the Church, provided that the church is available. The church is a place for prayer and no power point presentations are allowed in the Church for the Wake Service/Rosary or Funeral Mass.

3. EULOGIES. If there is a eulogy, we ask that it be held after the rosary or wake service. A eulogy may also take place at the cemetery. Eulogies are not allowed after the funeral mass in the church.

4. VIEWING. If the family wishes to have a last viewing of the deceased person on the day of the funeral, we ask that this be done at the funeral home. There will be no viewing of the deceased person in the church before the funeral mass.

5. CHOIRS. All music for the Funeral Mass is to be Catholic Liturgical Music. There is to be no popular non-liturgical music. Musicians and choirs for the Rosary/Wake Service/Funeral Mass are the responsibility of the family. For the funeral mass choirs sing only four (4) songs (Entrance, Offertory, Communion & Closing) No parts of the mass are sung. The leader of the choir should speak with the Celebrant of the mass concerning chosen liturgical hymns before the funeral mass starts..

6. LECTOR/EUCHARISTIC MINISTER. Since all our funerals are held during the regularly scheduled daily mass at 9:00 a.m. the Lector and Eucharistic ministers will be from the parish. If the family wishes to have someone from the family or a friend read from the bible this may done at the Rosary or Wake service.

7. CREMATION. In cases where the deceased person has been cremated before the Funeral Mass, the cremations should be brought to the church and placed at a designated table in front of the altar. The guidelines of the Catholic Church indicate that cremated remains should be buried in a cemetery. Ashes should never be scattered or left in the home for a long period of time.

8. FINANCIAL DONATION. As a service to the family, our parish does not charge for wake services or funerals, if the person who has died is a registered and active member of St. John's Parish. If the deceased person was not a registered and active parishioner, we request that the family make a donation to the parish for the maintenance, utilities, clean up, etc. of the church.

9. RECEPTION. Lamy Hall is available to registered and active members of St. John's. The hall is available if the family wishes to use it for a reception immediately after the funeral mass. You must contact Robert Sanchez for information, availability and guidelines. No food preparation is done in Lamy Hall. All food and utensils are the responsibility of the family. Since we serve over 400 people at 11:30 a.m. families must be out of Lamy Hall by this time. Keep receptions as simple as possible (sandwiches & finger foods, etc.).