Funeral Masses can be held at the Parish Community Center (PCC), St. Genevieve Church and St. John the Baptist Church.
The funeral can be live streamed at the PCC upon request.
The Parish Funeral Luncheon ministry can provide a funeral luncheon.
Families can arrange to have food from a restaurant brought in and funeral luncheon volunteers can serve.
Families can engage the service of a licensed caterer.
The Church offers a Funeral Mass or service and the committal (burial). Each one of these services is an integral part of the journey for the deceased, family, friends and the parish community. It is wise to consider the value and the wisdom of planning for a funeral in advance of the need. If you are interested in knowing more about your options for making your choices, please contact 651.429.7937 or info@stgens.org for more information. The brochure "Planning a Funeral Service" is a great resource for families.
At the time of death, please call the parish office at 651.429.7937 to make the necessary arrangements for the date and time of the service. Our Pastor will schedule a time to meet with the family at the Parish Office to plan the services. Arrangements for a luncheon or reception after the service will be made during this planning time. The Parish Community Center or Fortin Hall at the St. John's site in Hugo are possible locations for this event.
Contact the Parish Office at 651.429.7937 or info@stgens.org or read "Planning a Funeral Service" for more information regarding funerals.
Growing Through Loss -
a series providing an opportunity for indiviuals to obtain information
and support for a variety of loss and grief issues.
It takes place at christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton.
You are welcome to attend one session or all.
CEMETERY INFORMATION
There are two cemeteries associated with our parish: St. Genevieve Cemetery in Centerville and St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Hugo. There are gravesites available at both cemeteries. Two burials are allowed in each gravesite, provided that at least one is a cremation.
The current fees are here.
For more cemetery information read "Cemetery Rules and Regulations" or contact Susie Irlbeck at sirlbeck@stgens.org or 651-429-7937.
Learn more about Catholic burials at the Catholic Cemetery website: catholic-cemeteries.org
Cemetery Board Mission Statement:
Our cemeteries exist to meet the needs of the faithful at the time of death, burial and throughout bereavement. By setting aside a holy place for burial, we provide a fitting environment for liturgical celebration. As in life, we believe the human body should be treated in death with respect and dignity. Our memories of the deceased are enlightened by a faith that sees death as a bridge to the communion of saints. Death is not the end of the journey. Our bonds with the believing community are not broken.
The cemetery board meets 3 times a year. For more information on joining the Board, contact Fr. Greg or Susie Irlbeck.
Latest minutes of the Cemetery board are here.
Why Can't Catholics Scatter Their Ashes? with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Or read Fr. Schmitz' response.published in THe Catholic Spirit September 21, 2022.
A prayer while visiting the cemetery:
God of Abraham and of Moses,
Lord of the Living, who visited
Jesus within His grave
and filled Him with the
fullness of eternal life,
hear our prayer this day
as we come to the burial place of (name).
With reverence, we visit this sacred shrine
where his/her body was placed
within the womb of the earth
to await the final day of glory.
We pause in silence to be united with him/her.
Pause for silent prayer…
Lord, we have come on this pilgrimage of prayer
to keep the flame of love alive
within our hearts.
As we read his/her name upon the marker-stone,
we rejoice because that name has been
written for all ages
in the palm of Your divine hand.
May the breath of creation that surrounds this grave—
In trees, grass and earth, birds and sun—
join us in prayer.
May this pilgrimage remind us of what we already know:
that nothing dies;
rather, life is only transformed into new life.
Holy is this grave,
holy this earth that has held in gentle embrace
the bodies of all who are buried in this cemetery.
Lord, with reverence, we leave a wreath of
worship at this grave,
woven with love, adorned with memories
and with our faith in the reality
of that earthen Easter morning
when all the holy dead shall rise
in the splendor of Your glory.
Till that day, eternal rest to (name)
and to all the holy dead.
Amen