Funeral Service guidelines

To schedule a funeral, call 651-683-9808.

St. Thomas Becket is available for funerals every day of the week (based on availability), except Sundays, Holy Week, and Holy Days.

St. Thomas Becket provides the following:

• The use of the common space for a luncheon immediately following the service (maximum luncheon capacity 200 guests).
• A Funeral Planning Meeting to guide you through your decisions and help coordinate and schedule resources.
• A Funeral Coordinator who will prepare the church and provide assistance on the day of the funeral.
• A worship booklet designed for each funeral.

• The Vigil for the Deceased: This service is part of the visitation when held the night before the funeral.  This is typically held at the funeral home.

• The Funeral Liturgy: This service may happen with or without the celebration of the Eucharist.

• The Rite of Committal: This ceremony happens at the cemetery at the time of interment.

Cremation is allowed by the Catholic Church. The cremated remains should be treated with as much respect as the body.  

If the body or the cremated remains are present, then a funeral Mass is typically celebrated.

If neither the body nor the cremated remains are present, then a memorial service is celebrated.

• The funeral party will be seated in  reserved seating in the front of the church.  
• A priest or deacon. Guest priests or deacons are welcome to preside.  Please coordinate in advance. 
• Pall bearers. Family and friends are invited to carry the coffin or urn in and out of the church and to the place of burial.
• Lectors (readers). Family or friends may proclaim the readings and read the intercessions.
• Gift bearers. Family or friends may bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar. 
• Eucharistic ministers. Family or friends who are trained Eucharistic Ministers may help distribute communion.
• Musicians. St. Thomas Becket musicians typically accompany funeral services, but alternate arrangements may be made during the planning process.

Members of the St. Thomas Becket choir may also be available for a funeral.

A memorial table will be available for a guest book during the visitation, service and luncheon.  A guest book is a wonderful way for guests to share their memories and messages.

St. Thomas Becket's  liturgical environment reflects the season and will remain in place during funeral services.  Staff will outline areas to place funeral flowers and other decor and will be available to receive floral deliveries in advance of a service.    

After the service you may take your arrangements home or leave them in the church.

• 10:00 am:  Visitation
• 11:00 am - 12:00 pm:  Funeral 
• 12:00 pm:  Funeral luncheon
• 1:30 pm: Depart for cemetery

A quiet space is provided to family members to gather privately and store belongings. 

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels