Veterans Services

If you are planning (or preplanning) a funeral for a veteran, we want to make sure you know exactly what benefits you are entitled to receive, based on eligibility requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In addition to helping you understand your VA benefits, we also provide several unique elements and funding options for veterans and service members.

The Catholic Funeral Rite

The Catholic Funeral Ritual is centered on the belief that life is a gift from God, and at the conclusion of earthly life, Christians commend the soul of the deceased back to God in thanksgiving.

The funeral ritual consists of three different events.


·      The Vigil, normally held the evening prior to the Mass, offers the opportunity for the community to express their condolences to the family. It is the proper time to tell stories and reflect on the individual and their accomplishments in life.


·      The Funeral Mass begins at the Baptismal font recalling the moment when the deceased was proclaimed a child of God. The Mass is offered for the repose of the Soul with prayers that the deceased will soon be in God’s presence.


The Committal is the final stage when the deceased is laid to rest to await the day of the Resurrection, and ideally takes place immediately after the Funeral Mass.

Catholic Burial Rituals

The church prefers that the body be brought to church for the funeral Mass based on the belief that it has been the temple of the soul throughout life. The body is to be treated with great reverence and respect.

Learn More About Natural Burials

Catholic Cremation Rituals

Cremation has been allowed for Catholics since Vatican II. The church prefers that the body be brought to the church prior to cremation for the funeral Mass based on the belief that it has been the temple of the soul throughout life. There are provisions and prayers for the urn being present in church for the Mass with the understanding that the cremated remains should be accorded the same dignity as the body, including burial as soon as practical following the Mass. Cremated remains are not to be divided nor scattered.


For a more detailed explanation of Catholic cremation rituals, please follow this link to the website of the Catholic Cemeteries of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

You Can Never Go Back and Do It Over

A funeral service is the last goodbye to your loved one. That’s why we will guide you through the process of planning a personalized service and take care of every last detail from start to finish.

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