FUNERALS

From the Christian point of view, simple funeral arrangements are adequate and desirable. Relatives of the deceased should exercise great caution before incurring substantial expenses in respect of funeral homes, transportation companies, catering companies and cemeteries. While a wake in a funeral home has become widely accepted arrangement, it is not a requirement. There are some expenses in the church itself, but they are not burdensome.

Many different funeral arrangements are possible; this topic should be discussed thoroughly with the priest. If the funeral is held on a weekend or in an evening, a wake in a funeral home may not be required.

Two of the most common situations are a funeral service followed by a burial, and a cremation before the funeral service.

In the case of a funeral followed by burial, relatives are free to provide their own pall bearers, before and after the service. The coffin is closed before the service, and a pall is placed over it. Customarily relatives will do two bible readings, and a relative or friend will deliver a eulogy. Arrangements can usually be made for a priest to be present at the interment, depending on the location. As there are no cemeteries in Long Beach - except for the St. James Columbarium -- sometimes journeys of considerable distance are involved.

In the case of cremation, in most cases this takes place before the funeral service, and an urn containing the ashes is placed on a table before the altar, under a small pall. After the service, the ashes may be scattered or placed in a columbarium. If the ashes are to be placed in the St. James columbarium, after the service relatives and friends will walk out to the columbarium where the priest will pronounce the burial rites. In most cases of cremation, a wake in a funeral home is not required.

Sometimes, a cremation may be held after a funeral service, with the burial rites pronounced by the priest, or a cremation may simply be arranged by the funeral home, without presence of relatives.

A reception may follow the funeral service. If desired, it may be held in the parish hall, in the basement of the church.