FAQ
Q: My Loved one has died, what do I do next?
A: The first step is to call the funeral home that you wish to work with. There are three funeral homes in West Bend: Schmidt Funeral Home;
Myrhum-Patten, Miller & Kietzer Funeral and Cremation Service; and Phillip Funeral Home. They will meet with you and contact us to set up a date and time for the Funeral Mass. Once you have met with the Funeral Home, they will pass your contact information to us and we will contact you about meeting to pick out readings, music, and intersessions for the Mass.
A: The first step is to call the funeral home that you wish to work with. There are three funeral homes in West Bend: Schmidt Funeral Home;
Myrhum-Patten, Miller & Kietzer Funeral and Cremation Service; and Phillip Funeral Home. They will meet with you and contact us to set up a date and time for the Funeral Mass. Once you have met with the Funeral Home, they will pass your contact information to us and we will contact you about meeting to pick out readings, music, and intersessions for the Mass.
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Pre-Planning
Q: Can I pre-plan my funeral?
A: Yes of course you can! And actually, we highly recommend at least starting the discussion with your loved ones. We can't tell you how many overwhelmed families we see come through our doors. There are many decisions to make when a person dies and if you have pre-planned, that makes it a little bit easier on those you love. If you have a favorite reading or songs that you want sung or played this is the time to make it known. Below are documents that should help make planning easier. Please remember that these are suggestions. The playlist below includes most of the music from the Funeral Music List. It's meant to help you hear which songs you are picking. Just note that the arrangements won't always be the same! 
Q: Thanks for the documents but I would love a little more help with pre-planning. Can I talk to someone from the Church?
A: Of course you can! We would love to help you in any way that we are able. If you would like to have a conversation with us please call the Office at 262-334-3038 and speak with our Pastoral Care Associate to set up a time to meet. Q: If I have everything pre-planned should I leave it with you?
A: Short answer - no. Long answer - We are sometimes the last to find out that someone has passed away. As important as your faith is to you, the reality is, not all families realize their loved ones wishes or that they have pre-planned anything. We recommend keeping all pre-planned documents with the Funeral Home (because yes, you can also pre-plan with the Funeral Home). Then when you do pass away the funeral home has the documents with your wishes readily available. If you haven't pre-planned with a Funeral Home, then we would suggest keeping it with important documents at your house and letting your family know of your wishes. |
Planning a Funeral for a Loved One
Q: Should we have a Funeral Mass or Service and what is the difference?
A: Great question. A Funeral Mass would be conducted in the Church with a priest and there would be Eucharist (Communion). A Mass is a great choice if you and your family are Catholic. A service can be just like a Mass except there wouldn't be the Eucharist Prayer or Communion. You also do not need a priest if you are going to have a service. You can have the same components as a Mass, just without Communion. You also have a little more leeway when planning a service vs. a mass. A Service is a great option if your family is not a practicing Catholic. Q: Our family is thinking a Service might be the best option. Does that mean it needs to be at the Funeral Home?
A: Absolutely not! Of course you always have the option of doing the Service at the Funeral Home, but people don't realize they can also hold a Service (without a full mass) at the church. We would love to see more families celebrate the life of their loved one in the church where their loved one was a member. It doesn't matter if it is a Mass or a Service, we are happy to get together to pray for and with your family and the deceased. Q: My loved one died but they weren't Catholic however, I would like to have a Funeral Mass for them. Is that possible?
A: Yes! While we would never advise someone having a Funeral Mass at a Catholic Church for someone that hated Catholics, we certainly welcome anyone. We would advise you to call the pastor (262-334-3038) to talk through which options are the best. Q: When planning a Funeral, what do I need to do?
A: Take a look at the "Funeral Preparation Guide" and the "Funeral Music List" documents on this page to get started. Then after speaking/meeting with the Funeral Home, make sure your family get's in contact with us (262-334-3038) to set up a meeting to talk about the Mass/Service. Q: How can our relatives be a part of the Mass or Service?
A: There are many ways family members can be a part of the Funeral. 1. They can Altar Serve. 2. They can read the Scripture Passages. 3. They can read the Intercessions. 4. They can bring up the Gifts. 5. They can be Eucharistic Ministers. 6. They can sing with the choir*, sing a solo, or play an instrument. *Note: Holy Angels has a Resurrection Choir that sings at all Funerals at the church. Q: Can we do a Eulogy for our loved one?
A: Yes, of course you can! Eulogies are usually done right before the beginning of the Mass. We ask that Eulogies are kept to no more than 5 minutes long. We know there are many memories you would like to share but a perfect time for longer stories is during the Visitation or during a meal after the Mass/Service. Q: Can we hold a meal in the Church Hall after the Mass or Service?
A: Yes. The Church Hall holds about 100 people and is available for use. However we do not have anyone that makes meals at the parish. You will need to bring in your own food or have it catered. The Funeral Home will be able to speak about this with you. | ||||||
General FAQ
Q: As a Catholic, can I be cremated?
A: Yes! Take a look at this document that explains the Catholic stance on cremation:
A: Yes! Take a look at this document that explains the Catholic stance on cremation:
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Q. What can I do for the final disposition of a cremation urn?
A. One possible solution is inurnment in a columbarium. A columbarium is a structure for the respectful and dignified holding of the cremated remains of loved ones. Cremation urns are placed within niches in the columbarium structure. The Columbarium at Holy Angels Cemetery is finished more information can be found at hawb.org/cemetery.
A. One possible solution is inurnment in a columbarium. A columbarium is a structure for the respectful and dignified holding of the cremated remains of loved ones. Cremation urns are placed within niches in the columbarium structure. The Columbarium at Holy Angels Cemetery is finished more information can be found at hawb.org/cemetery.
Q: Can I buy a plot at the Holy Angels Cemetery for a casket burial?
A: Yes, there is still space in the cemetery. If you would like to inquire about plots please call the sexton of the cemetery, Jim at 262-343-0914.
A: Yes, there is still space in the cemetery. If you would like to inquire about plots please call the sexton of the cemetery, Jim at 262-343-0914.