"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5
One of the most painful experiences is laying a loved one to rest. We take the greatest care with funerals. Our team will help you plan the funeral and assist you with compassion and understanding on the day of the funeral and in the days to come. To help us get started, please complete the Funeral Information Form, or simply call us at 415-435-1122. If you are interested in our bereavement resources, visit the spiritual care and support page.
Questions
Frequently asked
Contact us right away by completing the Funeral Information Form or calling us at 415.435.1122. We have a team of caring people who will help you through this difficult time.
We normally schedule funerals at 2pm on Thursdays.
Yes! We are happy to welcome all clergy who are in good standing with the Catholic Church. If the priest or deacon is from outside the Archdiocese of San Francisco, he will need to get a letter of Good Standing from his diocese.
Once we have scheduled the funeral on our parish calendar, we will set up a time for you to meet with our priest to plan the funeral service and guide you through the process.
Yes. A relative or friend of the person who has died may offer some “Words in Remembrance.” A speaker should speak for no more than four or five minutes and think carefully about the content. Some of the stories may be more suitable for the reception after the funeral.
Unfortunately, time constraints do not allow for more than one speaker at the funeral. Many families invite multiple speakers to offer some words of remembrance at the reception following the funeral.
Depending on the day and time of the funeral and other parish activities, we may be able to offer use of our parish hall for a funeral reception. While donations for the use of our parish hall are not required, they are greatly appreciated. We do not offer catering services, but our hall manager can provide you with a list of approved caterers.
Yes, click here for a simple checklist.
Traditional Catholic funeral rites include a vigil service the night before the church funeral at the funeral home or church. It is optional. If you choose to have a vigil service, it is usually preceeded by 1/2 hour to an hour of "visitation," during which friends and acquaintenances visit the casket, which can be either open or closed, for a time of quiet prayer and thanksgiving to God for the life of the deceased person. The vigil service itself last approximately 30 minutes.
Traditional Catholic funeral rites include a "Rite of Committal," in which the priest accompanies family members to the grave site for a short service (10-15 minutes) before the remains are buried. It is optional. It is also possible to have only a gravesite service without the Mass or Vigil.
Yes, as long as the purpose of the cremation is not to deny the truth of the resurrection.
We ask for a $300 suggested donation for use of the church. Our musicians typically charge a fee of $750 ($500 for the music director and accompanist, and $250 for a professional cantor). If you would like to offer a stipend to the priest who celebrates Mass, the typical "rate" is between $200 and $300 in this area. Thank you for your generosity.
Yes. Reasonably-sized floral arrangements are permissible in the sanctuary area under the direction of St. Hilary staff. However, existing decorations may not be removed, and decorations may not be placed near the saints without the express permission of the presiding priest.