Dear Friends, 

St. Patrick understands the importance of making sure that funeral Masses and services are done well. Staff member Torri Winn is responsible for coordinating information from family members and overseeing the ministers who will be present at the funeral. Looking at the number of funerals for last year we had close to 100 funeral services. The interesting fact is about half of the funerals were for parishioners. The other half was for those who were not parishioners. It is important that a parish does what it can to ensure that any person is able to have the dignity of a Christian burial. At St. Patrick, some of the reasons for that number is we encounter people at two Honor Health Hospitals and care facilities within our parish boundaries. For some, they either have not attended a parish for a while or were unable to be part of the community because of health reasons. Our ministers and I make sure that families are always welcome to consider St. Patrick for a possible funeral service if they choose to have one.

The St. Patrick funeral ministry makes every effort to welcome parishioners, Catholics from other parishes, Christian brothers and sisters, and those who come from different faith traditions. We take the time to not only welcome, but guide everyone on what is happening in our rituals and know all have a role in the Mass/service. For those who do not receive communion, they are invited to come forward for a blessing. The number of people who choose to do this is amazing. To not be part of the Catholic family, but to feel welcomed to leave their pews and come forward for a blessing gives great witness to how hospitality is central to our Catholic liturgies.                               

We are open to offering funeral receptions and there is no charge for the reception. The only reminder is Fenlon Hospitality Center may not be available on the date of the funeral based on the many activities happening in our parish, but we do our best to make that happen.                                    

More and more people in our country are choosing to have nothing when a loved one dies. I invite parishioners to know our belief in the Resurrection, the dignity of human life that comes from God, and being a member of the Body of Christ makes it right and good that everyone should have the honor of a Christian burial as we ask God to give kind admittance into his Kingdom. 


Peace in Christ,

Fr. Eric