Making arrangements: When a parishioner dies, a member of the family should contact the parish office as soon as possible. A member of our parish staff will help with the planning of the Funeral Liturgy.  During regular office hours, please call the parish office (313-647-5000). In the evening or on weekends, please call Fr.  Andrew Kowalczyk.

When someone dies and we are responsible for the arrangements we may have feelings of being overwhelmed with decisions.  What do I do next?  Do I call the priest?  Do I call the funeral home?  If the death occurred at home, who do I need to contact?  All of these are important questions.  We want you to know, you can contact the parish office or rectory at any time that you feel you need our support.

Most people, upon the death of a loved one contact the funeral home of their choice to begin making arrangements.   Sometimes the deceased has already made pre-planned funeral arrangements.  However, often, the decisions are left up to the next of kin and/or the executor of the will.  We want to work with you and the funeral home in making these preparations.
 
Setting the date and time:  The first consideration regarding the funeral is the selection of a date and time.  Sometimes the consideration of family members traveling from out of town needs to be taken into account.  Beyond personal preferences, however, the schedules of the Church and the funeral home need to be considered.  There may be other funerals and functions that will preclude a desired date and time. Generally speaking funerals at St. Clare take place around 10:30 am.  We will do everything possible to meet your requested date and time, however please confirm or have the funeral director confirm with our office that we can accommodate your request.
 
Location: Traditionally the funeral takes place at the Church with the celebration of the Eucharist.  The Mass of Christian Burial offered for our beloved deceased is the Church’s most powerful and efficacious prayer, for their eternal repose.  For those whom attendance at Mass had been an integral part of their life as a practicing Catholic, the Mass provides an especially meaningful closure to their earthly journey with spiritual healing and forgiving grace.  It is a spiritual work of mercy to pray for the dead.
 
Preparation for the Liturgy:  Celebrating our faith and the life of the deceased through the liturgy is important to both the family and the Church. The funeral liturgy, wherever it takes place, either at the Funeral Home during the Vigil Prayer and/or in the Church during the Mass, is always a celebration of God’s gift of new life that is offered for those who believe. Therefore, before any concrete plans are made regarding the liturgy we ask that you contact the parish to set up a time when we can meet to discuss things such as Music, Prayer Service, Scripture Readings and participation of family members within the celebration.

Eulogies : There is a fundamental need in every human heart to remember.  That is usually the desire in wanting a eulogy, namely to remember a person who meant so much to us. Eulogies are only permitted prior to the beginning of the service.  Keeping in mind, the remarks made are in a place of worship, the following guidelines will assist in your preparation: