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Funerals & Burials
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I am the resurrection and the life: those who believe in me, though they should die, will come to life; and those who are alive and believe in me will never die.
John 11:25-26
At the heart of our faith is the profound hope of eternal life. The Church’s funeral rites surround families with prayer, celebrating Christ’s resurrection and commending departed loved ones to God. Our parish Bereavement Ministry is honored to accompany you and your family on this sacred journey.
This journey begins with the Vigil Service, often held at the funeral home or church on the evening or day before the funeral. This is a time for family and friends to gather, share memories, and offer prayers. Next is the Funeral Liturgy, celebrated at a Mass, when loved ones and community come together in the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist, finding strength in the Word of God. Finally, the Rite of Committal takes place at the cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium. Through these final prayers, the body or cremated remains are lovingly laid to rest in sacred ground.
Our faith proclaims the hope of the Resurrection and reminds us that, even in grief, we are never alone. Through prayer, compassionate presence, and acts of kindness, our Bereavement Ministry accompanies those who mourn the loss of a loved one and supports families throughout the funeral process.
If you are working with a funeral home, they will help you make arrangements with St. Paul Parish. If you are not working with a funeral home, please contact the Parish Office at 609-924-1743.
Families are welcome to browse the Resources links and the FAQs below to begin the liturgy planning process.Ways to Remember a Loved One
Purchase a Mass Card
Request that a Mass be offered for your loved one.
Offer Altar Flowers
Dedicate the flowers that adorn our sanctuary in memory of a loved one.
Dedicate a Remembrance Chapel Candle
Remember a loved one with a candle illuminated in our Remembrance Chapel for one year. A brass plaque bearing their name is placed beneath the candle, and their name is inscribed in our parish Remembrance Book.
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Contact Us
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Bereavement Ministry Coordinator -
Yani Reyesfrontdeskstpaulsofprinceton.orgReceptionist | Recepcionista - For Cemeteries & Burials
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Nancy Jacksonnjacksonstpaulsofprinceton.orgAdministrative Assistant for Finance
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Resources
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St. Paul Parish Cemetery is a sacred place of prayer and remembrance, providing a final resting place for generations of our parish family. Located on parish grounds, the cemetery reflects our Catholic hope in the promise of eternal life and offers families a peaceful place to remember and pray for their loved ones.
Space in the cemetery is very limited. Please contact the Parish Office for information regarding availability, eligibility, and cemetery arrangements.Other cemeteries we frequently partner with:
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FAQs
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The funeral director (funeral home) will work with the family and St. Paul Parish to set up the details of date and time of the funeral liturgy including visitation, funeral Mass or liturgy, and interment. Normally, after news of death, the funeral home is contacted first. The funeral home will then contact St. Paul parish office to determine possible times and dates for a funeral liturgy. The family will meet with the funeral director and confirm the date/time. A member of St. Paul Parish Bereavement Ministry will then contact the family to arrange a meeting for planning the funeral Mass/Service including readings, music, and other details.
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If the family is not using a funeral director then the family should contact the Parish Office to arrange date and time. A member of St. Paul Parish Bereavement Ministry will then contact the family to arrange a meeting for planning the funeral Mass/Service including readings, music, and other details. Parish Office hours can be found here.
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The Rite of Christian Burial has three rites: The Vigil for the Deceased (Wake); Funeral Liturgy (Mass); and Committal (Cemetery). The Vigil generally takes place at the funeral home or may take place in the church (according to Diocesan guidelines). It is followed by the celebration of the Funeral Mass and continues with prayers of committal at the cemetery. While interment most often occurs immediately following the Funeral Liturgy, there are cases where a short interval is necessary.
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The Church encourages a Funeral Mass for a deceased Catholic, with the body present. If there is question about whether a liturgy without Mass might be more appropriate, a Funeral Service may be conducted in the Funeral Home. If there is a question as to what would be more appropriate, a priest or deacon is available to discuss this with the family.
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A Funeral Mass can still be held when circumstances make it difficult, impractical or impossible to have the body or the cremains of the deceased present. In this instance, a Memorial Mass is held in place of a Funeral Mass.
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A situation where a Mass is not appropriate is rare. Some circumstances where people often have questions include:
A Child who has died before Baptism: A Mass can always be celebrated for a child who has died, even without baptism. Appropriate prayers are used if the child was not baptized.
An infant who is stillborn: The consolation of the funeral liturgy can be offered for the parents of stillborn or miscarried infants. The appropriate rites and texts are used from the Order of Christian Funerals.
Funerals for non-Catholics: A Catholic funeral may be celebrated for a person who is not a Catholic, as long as this would not offend the sensibilities of the deceased or of those who attend. This situation often occurs when the living spouse is Catholic, and the spouse who died had a great appreciation of the Catholic faith.
A person who has taken their own life: The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that we should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. For this reason, then, the Church no longer forbids funeral rites or burial to Catholics who have committed suicide.
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The grieving process necessarily includes time to remember the life of the deceased loved one. In the Catholic funeral rite, there is an opportunity for a Remembrance to be given by a member of the family or a friend. Unlike a eulogy, the remembrance is an opportunity for the family member or friend to focus on the loved one's faith and hope in Jesus Christ. Click here for guidelines for preparing and delivering a remembrance.
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St. Paul does request that a fee/donation be offered to the church. This covers the services of the parish staff (organist, cantor, facilities) and the seasonal operating expenses of the church. When working with a funeral home, this cost is itemized by the funeral director. In case of financial hardship, this donation/fee may be waived.
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Since 1997, the Church has granted permission for cremated remains to be present during the funeral liturgy (funeral mass). Although permitting Catholics to choose cremation, the Church prefers that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in the funeral rites. It is the preference of the Church that that cremation take place following the funeral liturgy. More information can be found by clicking here.
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