"For Christians, life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in Heaven."
  

We are praying for you and your family. When a loved one dies, we want to do everything we can to help you. You can notify us yourself, or you can have the funeral director contact us at (440)-729-9575 or [email protected]. We will assist you in planning the funeral liturgy. You can expect the priest to come to the wake and offer to do a short prayer service there. He will do the actual funeral and will go to the cemetery. If for some reason he cannot attend the wake and cemetery, a pastoral minister or deacon will be there.
 
Cremation: The practice of burying the body in the earth or in a crypt is the most common practice at this time. At one time in history, cremation was not the practice of Catholics. Today, however, cremation is an option, but the time honored practice of burial in the ground or a crypt is still encouraged.
 
Saint Anselm Church has prepared a guide with suggested readings to assist families in planning the funeral liturgy.  A bereavement minister from the parish will meet with the family to plan the funeral liturgy. 

Planning a Funeral at St. Anselm:

St. Anselm Community offers our prayerful support and sympathy to our parishioners at the loss of a loved one. It is our goal to help you to grieve for your loved one and assist in the celebration of life of this person. Your presence in planning the liturgy is very important. We hope together we can create a funeral liturgy, which celebrates the life of your loved one and comforts those left behind. Here are a few directions to assist in that:

1. It is always helpful to use a funeral home to assist in the arrangements with the Church and provide a space for others to support you in your grief. This is a tradition that is very comforting.
2. There will be three pews on the left side of the center aisle reserved for family.
3. The Catholic Mass is a sacred ritual and is the same all around the world. This includes all of our rituals including funerals. So as to not break up the sacred ritual of the funeral mass, eulogies are not permitted during the Catholic funeral mass. Should you desire to have a eulogy, you may choose to close out the burial at the cemetery with a eulogy, close out a wake service at the funeral home with a eulogy, read a eulogy during a funeral luncheon, or have the eulogy printed to be handed out. 
4. When planning with the bereavement minister from the parish, please try to give Father notes about your loved one, which he will be able to use for the homily. This makes the homily more personal.
5. Finally, you will receive a book and papers at the planning time. These can help with the choice of readings and songs. If you have any questions, feel free to ask for assistance. 

Funeral Guide Booklet

Funeral Liturgy Planning Sheet