If you are reading this for the first time during a time of loss, please accept our deepest sympathy and our promise to do all that we can to help you in the love and spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

These guidelines are intended to clarify how funerals are conducted at St. John Chrysostom Catholic Church.

Normally, after news of death, the family contacts a local funeral home of their choice. The funeral home will then contact St. John Chrysostom to determine available times and dates for the funeral Mass, then confirm these with the family. Funeral directors are very helpful to both the parish and the family. They assist in arranging the visitation; coordinating the interment; and assisting with guest books, memory displays, and manage many other details.

The family should then contact the Parish House (610-874-3418) to schedule a meeting with pastoral staff to plan the funeral liturgy. Most families will meet with pastoral associate Theresa White and/or our pastor, Fr. Ed Hallinan (left).

Many common questions about funerals at St. John's are addressed below.

If you have any questions at any time, please call (610-874-3418) or email Theresa White or Fr. Hallinan.

Guest Priest/Deacon
Normally, a St. John Chrysostom priest will preside at the Mass. Guest priests or deacons in good standing are welcome to concelebrate (or assist, in the case of a deacon). At the pastor's discretion, guest clergy may be permitted to give the homily, final commendation, and lead the service at the cemetery. If you wish to invite guest clergy for your Mass, please advise us at your meeting.

Words of Remembrance (Eulogies)
The grieving process includes time to share memories of  loved one. In the Catholic rite, this is most appropriately done during the visitation or visitation (wake) service.

Because the Funeral Mass is primarily the time for praise and thanks for God's gift of eternal life in Jesus, we discourage the inclusion of Words of Remembrance (eulogies) at the Mass.

If the family wishes to include remembrances at Mass, you may have one speaker prior to the beginning of Mass. Reflections should be no more than three minutes and should be submitted in writing to the Celebrant before Mass.

Visitation (Wake)
If the parish schedule permits, the visitation (wake) may take place in church before the Funeral Mass. We allow 30 minutes for setting up the visitation. Church visitations are limited to two hours. A longer or second visitation, if desired, should be arranged at the funeral home.

Flowers
Up to two floral arrangements may be left for use in the church at the discretion of the family. Floral arrangements may not be left in the church during Lent.

Photo & Memorial Displays
Families should contact the funeral home to arrange for easels or tables for their memorial displays.

Programs
St. John Chrysostom does not provide printed funeral programs and discourages their use.

Special Circumstances

For a Child who has died before Baptism
A Funeral Mass may always be celebrated for a child who has died, even without baptism. Appropriate prayers are used if the child was not baptized.

For Non-Catholics
In certain circumstances, a Funeral Mass may be celebrated for a person who is not a Catholic. This case may arise, for example, when the surviving spouse is Catholic and the deceased spouse practiced no religion.

For Victims of Suicide
A Funeral Mass may be celebrated regardless of the cause of death. We offer a Funeral Mass for the repose of the soul of a suicide victim, invoking God’s tender love and mercy, and His healing grace for the grieving loved ones.

About Cremation
Please click here for information about cremation.