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“We would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
- When a loved one dies, it's easy to get pulled into the hundreds of financial and urgent issues that affect the family, but one must not lose sight of the SPIRITUAL needs of the person who has died and the important grieving proccess of the family left behind. What follows are guidelines that may help you in the process of preparing a funeral for your loved one.
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HOW TO PLAN A FUNERAL
- STEP 1 | CONTACT ST. LUKE
Our priests are committed to helping your family plan the funeral and accompanying you. Please contact our office at (985) 641-6429.- STEP 2 | CONTACT THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR
- Gather your documents and any directions from the deceased person regarding funeral arrangements and contact the funeral home of your choice.
- Before you meet with the Funeral Director, contact St. Luke the Evangelist at (985) 641-6429 to determine the availability of a priest to celebrate the funeral. Please do not make arrangements for dates without discussing your plans with our priests. Calling before you begin making the arrangements assures that a priest will be aware that your family is going through this difficult time and can be prepared to advise, comfort, and pray with you as you need him.
- Make sure the funeral director sends all pertinent information to the Pastoral Assistant at St. Luke.
STEP 3 | SCHEDULE MEETING WITH CELEBRANTIf the parish office has not already done so, please contact the Pastoral Assistant by calling our office at
(985) 641-6429 to meet with the celebrant or his assistant for the following details:- to learn the beautiful details of your loved one's life
- to plan the liturgy, indicating various preferences, including the inclusion of music, and the choosing of the Gospel and other readings.
- to discuss how else the parish can be of assistance in this difficult time.
STEP 4 | CONTACT OUR MUSIC DIRECTORMusic is an important part of the liturgy, as it aids us in raising our minds to heavenly things and offering our souls to God in ways that simply speaking cannot. For this reason, our Music Coordinator, Jason Lane, will be a great asset to you as you choose the music for your loved one’s funeral. Once you have called our office, we will contact Jason and let him know to contact you. Or you can call him at (985) 641-6429 ext. 212 or email him .
STEP 5 | FILL OUT A LITURGY PLANNING FORMWhen you meet with our clergy or pastoral assistant, we will prepare the plan. You can provide information HERE.
STEP 6 | ASK ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONSIf you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the office so we can be of assistance to you. We are so honored to assist you in offering your loved one to God in prayer through the funeral service. Thank you for letting us be a part of the process.