Funeral Planning

We, at St. John Neumann, know that the death of a loved one can be a time of great pain, but please be assured that our family of faith is here to offer you comfort and support.

Although death brings a deep sense of sadness and loss, faith can provide solace and strength by giving opportunities to encounter God in new ways. It is a time that can deepen our belief in God’s love for us and for our loved one.

“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." ~John 11:25-26


If you have recently lost a loved one, please call the office at (804) 598-3754.

Please do not schedule a service with a funeral home until you have contacted us.

We are a small parish with one priest; who has many duties.

We would also like to let you know what services we can provide (some times at a lower cost than a funeral home)

When a loved one dies, the Catholic Church asks that you take some time amid all the planning to reflect on what you and the deceased believed by selecting Scripture readings and music for the service. Some things to keep in mind

Scripture-

  • There are suggested readings. See the button below

  • You can choose any scripture reading that has meaning to you or your loved one. But you will need to choose one Old Testament reading, one New Testament reading, and one Gospel reading

  • You will also need to choose a musical Psalm (see scripture button)

Music- There are four principles that guide the choice of music that is befitting of a sacrament. These principles are described below to assist you with your planning.

  1. The first and most important principle in selecting music is that the music chosen be appropriate for a service of worship in the Catholic Church.

  2. The second principle is that the music fit with what is actually occurring during service. If vocal music is being considered, does it have a focus on such things as praising God, seeking God, honoring St. Mary as a wife and mother, asking the saints to watch over you, etc.? If instrumental music is being considered, was it composed for a sacred occasion or used for solemn occasions? Music outside of these parameters can be wonderful but will be more appropriately incorporated into other gatherings.

  3. The third principle is that all music for worship is performed live. God is actively present in the service because God is eternally alive and always with you. We respond by using our voices and talents to express this.

  4. The fourth principle is that all music for worship is performed competently. We want to offer God our best and we want all who come to worship to be uplifted by the quality of the music. Competent musicians spend many years developing their talents both to honor God and uplift the people with beauty. St. John Neumann has a Music Minister and Cantors who are familiar with our Parish customs and they are the primary musicians to serve at the Funeral Liturgy. If you are considering musicians beyond those who serve at St. John Neumann, please consider their ability and competency as musicians who will make our worship dignified and whose performance will be beautiful for people to experience. The parish musician is responsible for ensuring that guest musicians are able to fulfill this principle.

The hymns that you will choose include: Entrance, Offertory, Communion, Recessional. A list of appropriate suggestions will be provided to help you make your selections.

Another question that is often asked when planning funerals, is about Eulogies. There are no Eulogies given during the funeral Mass. The Celebrant will give a Homily that will include memories that you have shared with him.

However, during a Wake service all are invited to speak, share stories, and remember your loved one with a comment. If this is important to you, please consider including a Christian Wake Service in your plans.

St. John Neumann has a Memorial Prayer Garden and Columbarium available for the burial of cremains. Please see the brochure for information and call the office at: (804) 598-3754 to get more details and make plans.

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~Romans 8:38–39