Funeral readings:  the first and second readings are generally chosen by the family.  If you would prefer a priest to choose them they are happy to do so. 

The first reading comes from the Old Testament and the second reading comes from the New Testament.  When indicating below your choices you can simply say C1 and E3, for example.

Please indicate who will be reading each one.  The Pastoral Care Coordinator will email you copies so that those individuals can get comfortable with the readings.  They will not need to bring them with them, we will have copies for them here.

Gospel: the Gospel is customarily chosen by the priest, but if there is one that the family feels strongly about they are happy to accommodate the request.  Please indicate below if you have a specific reading you prefer.

Prayer of the Faithful:  We make the Prayer of the Faithful personal to each individual, using family names listed in the obituary.  Our Pastoral Care Coordinator will create the Prayer of the Faithful for you using the obituary online and send it to you for your approval. 

This is another opportunity for someone to read.  There are six intentions, so two people could actually split them.  If you'd prefer, the priest can read them instead.

Offertory Procession (Optional): being a gift bearer is another way for several people to get involved who maybe would rather not speak.  This is also a time when grandchildren can get involved.  If you choose to have gift bearers please indicate the number below - you can have 2 - 6 of them. 

If you would prefer not to use gift bearers, Fr. can have the gifts already prepared on the altar.

Reflections (eulogy): Reflections of a personal nature about the deceased may be made after the reception of communion. This is strictly optional. No one should feel obligated to do this. The purpose of the reflection is to draw attention to the deceased as his or her life bore witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Consider how this person most resembled Christ in their relationships with others, in their joys and suffering, in their faith in God and in their living out of Christian values. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are asking that should you desire to do a reflection, that it be done by one person, who has collected thoughts from others. We also request that the reflection be no more than three minutes long. This is being done as a safety measure to limit the amount of time that people are in an enclosed space. The remarks should be written out ahead of time. The more appropriate place for a personal reflection is at the wake.

About the Deceased:  When writing his homily, Fr. likes to know more about the deceased.  What kind of person were they?  What were their hobbies?  What did they enjoy to do in their life? If there is anything you would like Fr. to know, that isn't already indicated in the obituary, please indicate that below.

Funeral Music Selections:  You will find a list of hymns with our readings.  These hymns have been selected and approved by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany under the Music Selection Guide for Funerals.  Each hymn fits appropriately into the funeral liturgy and reflects the themes of God's hope, strength, comfort and eternal life.

Please choose four hymns from the list provided.  You may also request a communion meditation (listed under the hymns).  Other hymns not listed may be chosen, but must be appropriate to the funeral liturgy, be of a sacred nature, and may need approval by the Pastor and/or Music Director.

Please indicate your choices below.

Online Video Available: because we know that often times family and friends of the deceased are unable to attend the funeral mass in person, we offer a video recording online through a dedicated page on our website. This is a free service that we are able to provide to families. The video recording will be posted to our website shortly after the service ends, and will be available for one week for viewing and downloading/saving. The link for this site can be found on the St. Pius X Church website under Funeral Planning. Please note: this is only available in the Church, we do not have a camera set up in the Chapel.

Please let us know below if you would like this added service.

If you choose to have a recording of the mass, it will also be livestreamed, by default.