The parish family at The Stoughton Catholic Collaborative offers our prayers, support, and our sincere condolences to all who have experienced the death of a loved one. Once you have met with the funeral director please have them contact our Parish Offices to set up the funeral Mass.
The Funeral Mass
At the funeral Mass, family and friends of the deceased gather together to console one another. The family is encouraged to participate in the funeral liturgy.
The funeral Mass begins when the priest greets the family and others at the doors of the church. The priest will sprinkle the coffin with holy water in remembrance of the deceased person’s initiation and first acceptance into the community of faith.
The Funeral Pall
The coffin is completely covered with a white funeral pall. This white cloth reminds us that the deceased was given the promise of eternal life at baptism. Now at death, he/she prepares to enter into eternal life.
The Liturgy of the Word
There are two readings from the Bible at the funeral Mass. The first reading is from the Old Testament and the second reading is from the New Testament. If family or friends are composed and able they are invited to do these readings. The priest or deacon proclaims the Gospel taken from the New Testament and preaches a homily based on the Scripture readings.
Offertory Gifts
Family members are invited to carry up the gifts of bread and wine.
Eulogy
At the conclusion of the Mass, it is permissible for a family member or friend to say a few words in remembrance of the deceased.
The Rite of Committal
Generally, the Rite of Committal takes place at the grave. The Rite of Committal is an expression of the connections that exist between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven, the deceased passes with the farewell prayers of the community of believers into the welcoming company of those who already see God face to face.
Please call the Parish offices for more information St. James Parish at
781-344-9121 or Immaculate Conception Church at 781-344-2073.