The loss of a loved one is a painful time for a family. Sacred Heart Church is sorry for your loss. We are honored to assist in your funeral preparations, in this last act of charity for the mortal remains of your beloved deceased.

A Catholic Mass is celebrated for the soul of the departed, with scripture readings and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (Communion), with funeral rites included. This lasts about one hour. The Mass is celebrated with the body of the deceased present. It is acceptable to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial with cremated remains present.

It is the practice of the Catholic Church that the bodily remains or the cremated remains be interred.

The family of the deceased will have the opportunity to meet with the parish priest to discuss appropriate Scripture readings and sacred music for the Mass.

The family may designate practicing Catholics to offer the Scripture readings during the Mass. The family may designate practicing Catholics to take part in the Procession of the Gifts (bread and wine) at the Offertory of the Mass.

Following the Archdiocese of Washington Liturgical Norms and Policies, words of remembrance may be offered at the funeral home visitation, at the cemetery at the conclusion of the burial rite, or at the repast following the funeral. These are the most appropriate places for family members and friends to offer remarks about the deceased. Eulogies do not take place in the church.

At the discretion of Sacred Heart Church, the family may have visitation time with family and friends in the church prior to the Mass of Christian Burial if the church is available.

Sacred Heart Church has a parish hall that may be rented for a reception after the Mass of Christian Burial. Please contact the Parish Office at (301) 769-3100 or sacredheart.bushwood.md@adw.org for details.