Funerals

Good Shepherd Parish is honored to assist families as they prepare a funeral Mass for their loved ones. Funerals are celebrated so that the family of the deceased has the opportunity to feel the consoling presence of God in their lives. We celebrate that life for the deceased has changed, not ended.

A few things to note while you begin this planning process:

Funeral Consult: A funeral consult will take place several days prior to the funeral. Family is invited to meet with Father Neil Sullivan, Pastoral Associate Sister Donna Marie Kemberling, and Director of Liturgical Music Joreen Kelly.

Visitation: Visitation before the funeral may take place at the funeral home itself, or in the Parish Hall Lobby.

Liturgy of the Word: The Scripture readings assigned for Catholic funerals may be found at the USCCB website, by clicking here.

Music: Above there is a link to the suggested music for funerals at our parish. Keep in mind that the list is not exhaustive, and we welcome other sacred songs or hymns.

Family Participation: Family members are invited to take part in the funeral Mass in several ways: someone may read one (or both) of the readings, they may read the intercessions, and they may bring up the gifts. Occasionally, a family member may also be interested in singing. The parish also has people available for these ministries.

Words of Remembrance: Sometimes known as a eulogy, this takes place during Mass after communion. The parish asks that these remarks be prepared ahead of time, be kept reverent, and be read by only one person.

Photo Display: Families are welcome to display photos in the Parish Hall Lobby.

Luncheons in the Parish Hall: Our Parish Hall may be used following the funeral/burial, subject to availability. Our Hall seats 80 people and is handicap accessible. Parishioners may use the Hall free of charge. Volunteers prepare a luncheon on the day of the funeral for the family at their home or in the Parish Hall. Please contact Teresa Harrison 717-439-6021 or Barb Poole 717-763-0381 for more information. You may also contact the Parish Office for more information. Families may also have a funeral luncheon off-site at a place of their own choosing. In this case, the family is responsible for making all arrangements.

Mass Programs: Good Shepherd will provide printed programs which contain the readings, responses, and song texts to assist those attending the Mass. We ask that you estimate how many people will attend the Mass, so that we know approximately how many programs to print.

We look forward to meeting and working with you during this time. Please know that if there is anything you need from the parish staff or clergy, do not hesitate to reach out at any time.