We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the death of your loved one. Our St. Theresa family is here to support and guide you through this difficult time.
To begin planning the Funeral Rite (Wake, Funeral Mass, and Committal at the graveside), please email our funeral coordinator, Deborah Charewicz at:
It is recommended that the family of the deceased designate one or two people within the family circle to plan the funeral with our funeral coordinator. This will allow for a smooth and effective planning process.
The Holy Mass is the most powerful prayer we have, thus the Funeral Mass is the most powerful prayer we can offer for a loved one who has died. While other prayers, such as those said at the funeral home, during the wake, or at the graveside before burial are also important, they pale in comparison to the Funeral Mass.
This service is held at the wake, the day before the Funeral Mass. It includes scriptures, reflection, and prayers for the deceased.
At the church, the priest greets the family and offers prayers reminiscent of the decease’s baptism. The casket is sprinkled with holy water and the family is invited to cover the casket with a white pall (a white cloth that is in remembrance of the garment that was placed on the deceased at his/her baptism). The family processes behind the casket; the funeral director will guide them to their bench.
The priest prays the opening prayer, and the Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Word.
The prayers at the graveside are brief. There is a short scripture passage, a blessing of the grave, a committal prayer, and prayers for the mourners and all the deceased. The church will provide a priest, deacon, or lay person to conduct this service.
It is a tradition in the Catholic Church for a Mass to be held one month from the death/funeral. This Mass will be celebrated in memory of your loved one, the intention is published in our bulletin, and the name is read from the altar when we pray for the soul of the departed. These Masses can be celebrated for anyone who has died, whether they had a Funeral Mass at our parish or not.
Masses can be celebrated in memory of your loved one throughout the year. The intention can be to remember a birthday, the anniversary of a death, or other occeasion. Each Mass (daily and weekend) has one intention, but we allow multiple Mass intentions at the 11 AM Sunday Mass.
If you would like to book a Memorial Mass, please call the rectory and we will help arrange a Mass for you. (978) 664-3412. The suggested offering is $10.