It is the practice of the Catholic Church that the bodily remains or the cremated remains be interred.

The family of the deceased will have the opportunity to meet with the parish priest to discuss appropriate Scripture readings and sacred music for the Mass.

The family may designate practicing Catholics to offer the Scripture readings during the Mass. The family may designate practicing Catholics to take part in the Procession of the Gifts (bread and wine) at the Offertory of the Mass.

Following the Archdiocese of Washington Liturgical Norms and Policies, words of remembrance may be offered at the funeral home visitation, at the cemetery at the conclusion of the burial rite, or at the repast following the funeral. These are the most appropriate places for family members and friends to offer remarks about the deceased. These venues allow for more speakers, more time, more spontaneity, a wider range of themes and methods of paying tribute (stories, songs, or poems), and less emotional stress for the speaker(s). Eulogies, which have never been a part of the Catholic liturgical tradition, do not take place in the church.

At the discretion of Holy Angels Church, the family may have visitation time with family and friends in the church prior to the Mass of Christian Burial if the church is available.

Holy Angels Church has a parish hall that may be rented for a reception after the Mass of Christian Burial. Please contact the Parish Office at (301) 769-3332 or [email protected] for details.