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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord

Funeral
Information

We're sorry for your loss. The parish is here to pray with you and help you plan a Catholic funeral for the person you love.

Call the parish office → Funeral readings
The nave of St. Francis Solanus Church, looking toward the altar
When someone you love has died

You don't have to figure this out alone

A Catholic funeral commends the person who has died to God's mercy, and it surrounds the family with the prayer and support of the parish.

Start by calling the parish office. We'll set a time for the funeral Mass, meet with you to plan it, and walk with you through each step. Your funeral director can also contact the parish on your behalf.

  1. Call the parish office(217) 222-2898. Let us know, so we can begin praying for your loved one and your family.
  2. Set the date with your funeral homeThe funeral director works with the parish to schedule the vigil, the funeral Mass, and the burial.
  3. Plan the liturgy with usChoose the Scripture readings and music, and talk through any words of remembrance.
The Catholic funeral

Three parts, one prayer

The Church's funeral rites unfold in three stages, from the night before through the final farewell at the grave.

01

The vigil

Prayers for the person who has died, usually held the evening before the funeral, led by a priest or deacon. Family and friends gather to pray, remember, and console one another.

02

The funeral Mass

The heart of the Catholic funeral. The parish gathers at the altar to give thanks for the person's life, hear God's promise of resurrection, and pray for their soul.

03

The committal

The final prayers at the cemetery or place of burial, as the body or cremated remains are laid to rest in hope of the resurrection.

Effective July 1, 2026

Diocesan funeral policies

Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki issued new funeral policies for every parish in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, to bring local practice in line with the Church's Order of Christian Funerals. Here's what families should know when planning.

  • Vigil the night beforeVigil prayers are said the evening before the funeral by a priest or deacon, even if there is no public visitation. Immediate family are encouraged to join in.
  • No visitation in church before MassVisitation in the church immediately before the funeral Mass is no longer permitted. Families may still gather and pray at the funeral home, and a brief prayer service may be held there before the body is brought to church.
  • Words of remembrance, not eulogiesEulogies are not part of the funeral rites. Words of remembrance that speak about the faith life of the person who died may be submitted to the pastor at least three days in advance, and are read by a priest or deacon at the vigil, funeral Mass, or committal.
  • Sharing stories afterwardFamily and friends are welcome to share remembrances at a gathering outside the funeral rites, such as the meal after the committal.
  • Burial and cremationThe Church earnestly recommends burial of the body. Cremation is permitted, and cremated remains are to be interred together within 30 days after the funeral rites, never divided or kept in more than one place.

Source: Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, "New diocesan funeral policies to take effect July 1," (opens in new tab) Catholic Times. Questions about how these apply to your family's plans? Call the parish office.

Planning the Mass

Suggested Funeral Readings

The following are lists of Scriptures appropriate for use at Catholic Funeral Liturgies. One reading is chosen from each the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Gospels.

Choose one

New Testament

26 readings
Choose one

Gospel

24 readings
FAQ

Funeral questions

Every family's situation is different. Call the parish office and we'll help.

(217) 222-2898
How do we start planning a Catholic funeral at St. Francis Solanus?

Call the parish office at (217) 222-2898, or ask your funeral director to contact the parish. We'll schedule the funeral Mass and help you plan the readings, music, and other details.

Can family members give a eulogy at the funeral Mass?

Not during the funeral rites. Under Diocese of Springfield in Illinois policy effective July 1, 2026, eulogies are not part of the vigil, funeral Mass, or committal. Words of remembrance about the faith life of the person who died may be submitted to the pastor at least three days ahead, and a priest or deacon reads them. Family and friends can share stories at a gathering afterward, such as the meal following the burial.

Can we hold the visitation at church before the funeral Mass?

No. Diocesan policy no longer permits visitation in the church immediately before the funeral Mass. Families may gather at the funeral home, and the vigil prayers are said the evening before the funeral.

Does the Catholic Church allow cremation?

Yes. The Church earnestly recommends burial, but cremation is permitted unless it is chosen for reasons contrary to Christian faith. Cremated remains should be interred together within 30 days after the funeral rites, kept together in one place.

How do we choose the Scripture readings?

One reading is chosen from each of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Gospels. Open any reading on this page to read the full text, and bring your choices to your planning meeting.

We pray with you

May perpetual light shine upon them.

Let us know who you're grieving, and the parish will keep them and your family in prayer.

Request prayer → (217) 222-2898