Funerals
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OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUWith guidance and support from your meeting with Father to plan the funeral, the Parish Office, the Volunteer Bereavement Ministry Group, and your funeral home, a beautiful liturgy is not only doable, but the standard here at Shepherd of the Valley. -
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We offer Funeral services for Catholics and will do what we can to help friends and families of deceased loved ones to experience the love of God and His Church.
We advise that you contact us before you contact the funeral parlor so that you can save duplication of services and better plan knowing the options available.
In addition to a Funeral Mass, we can often offer receptions in the parish hall. Most services are provided by volunteers and are subject to their availability.
Our Funeral guidelines below offer some basic information, but since the details are a bit complex, please call the Parish Office for details, arrangements, and availability. Parish Office 541-664-1050
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Planing the Funeral Mass
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We know how difficult it is to plan a funeral while grieving a loved one. To give each family our full care and attention, we can have one funeral per day.
Available Days & Times:- Mondays: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, or 11:00 am
- Tuesdays: 10:00 am or 11:00 am
- Wednesdays: 9:00 am or 2:00 pm
- Thursdays: 9:00 am or 2:00 pm
- Fridays: 9:00 am or 10:00 am only
- Saturdays: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am
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Casket or cremation funerals are both acceptable options for a Catholic Funeral. It is the usual practice to have the casket or urn present during the funeral. If this is not possible, a memorial Mass is also an option. Please talk with the presiding priest for details.
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It is typical that friends or family members can be involved in the service by assisting with the readings and bringing up the gifts. The family may wish to invite a Catholic friend or family member who is a trained reader to assist in the Liturgy at the Funeral Mass. If families do not have anyone fitting this description, we will provide Readers for the Funeral Mass). Unless indicated by the family, Father will choose the Mass readings and the church ministry team will provide readers. If you would like to be involved with choosing Mass readings, please see the links below to view the Funeral Readings to assist you. Please speak with the presiding priest for coordination.
Catholic Funeral Readings Options ~ English Lecturas Catolicas por Misa Funerales ~ Espanol
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Some families wish to include a brief eulogy at the end of the Mass. Keep in mind that eulogies should be no more than five minutes and should be limited to one or possibly two family members. If you are planning on having a brief eulogy, be sure to let the presiding priest know who will be offering the eulogy in advance so he can call them in advance to discuss.
Some families may wish to hold a vigil service or a rosary before the funeral Mass. If that is the case, please inform the office so they can book the time if it is at the church, and to inform the church and the presiding priest of the plans and who you have found to lead the rosary.
Some families may wish to hold a vigil service or a rosary before the funeral Mass. If that is the case, please inform the office so they can book the time if it is at the church, and to inform the church and the presiding priest of the plans and who you have found to lead the rosary.
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Receptions are possible in most situations. Shepherd's volunteer Bereavement Ministry group joyfully coordinates a luncheon which includes sandwiches, side dishes, and drinks. A simple dessert and coffee menu is also offered. Donations to help offset the cost of the sandwich meats, cheeses, and bread are accepted but not mandated to receive this service.
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A note about donations:We know that planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, and financial concerns should never add to your burden. Please know that donations are always voluntary, and no family will ever be denied funeral services because of an inability to give.
If you wish to make a donation, you are welcome to contact the Parish Office for guidance on suggested amounts. Donations may be directed either to the parish (checks made to Shepherd of the Valley) and/or to the priest.
Your generosity, when possible, helps us continue serving families with care and compassion.
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- Flowers, cards, pictures, and decorations are a beautiful way to express your love for the deceased and support for the family. Keep in mind that decorations should be discussed so they are appropriate and work with the flow of the Catholic funeral Mass. Many aspects such as pictures, slide shows, and stories are more appropriately done at the reception.
- Creating Mass brochures or additional (Liturgical) powerpoints for the Mass, and their presentations are the responsibility of the family or friends of the deceased.
- If you will be having a graveside service (The Committal Service - often called a graveside service - the burial that follows the funeral) it is usually done immediately after the funeral or soon after the reception. Be sure to inform and coordinate this with the front office and priest.
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