The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult things we experience in our lives whether an unexpected loss or after a long illness. We grieve and feel the loss in many many ways. Your parish family at St. George is here to help you get through this very difficult time. Please call the Contact Us if you need to talk or would like a priest or a staff member to come to be with you during this difficult time. Listed below are some thoughts about planning the service and what to do after death.
 
1. Please call the church office to let us know that a loved one is near death or has passed so we can join you in prayer. Our priest would also be happy to come for a visit with you and your family. The staff can give you ideas on available days and times for the funeral before you meet with the funeral home.
 
2. Meet with our priest to plan the service--pick readings, music, and prayers. You can do this before or right after you meet with the funeral home.
 
3. Meet with the funeral home you have chosen to plan the details on their end. Have them call us to coordinate dates and times to make sure they will work for everyone. We make every effort to have the funeral on the day and time best for you, but on rare occasions there are conflicts. These instances are rare as we make funerals a priority and ministering to your needs is first in our minds.
 
4. Does the Catholic Church allow cremation? Yes, the only requirement is that the cremains must be treated with the same respect as the body, therefore, the ashes should be interned in a plot or placed in a columbarium.  Although cremation is allowed, thi is never the preferred option if other arrangements can be made. If cremation is the final decision, the Church desires the body to be present for the funeral with cremation and burial after whenever possible.
 
5. Can a body be donated to science/hospital for research? Yes, you can and it is a very worthy cause. The hospital will treat the body with great respect. Can I still have a funeral service if the body is donated to a hospital? Yes,Arrangements will be made with the hospital to receive the remains for final burial when 
 
6.  My loved one has a terminal illness. Can we plan the mass before they die? Yes, it is often a very good idea to do so, even though it is difficult. It is one less thing to deal with after they have passed and grief is overwhelming you. Pre-planning can give you time to really reflect on the readings and music and to get the terminally ill person's input. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact the church office. We know this is one of the most difficult things we have to do in life. We are here to help and support you and to take some of the weight off your shoulders. If you are having difficulty with the loss of a loved one and need to talk, Please reach out to us if you need to talk to our priest or any other staff member. We are here for you.