Indeed for your faithful, Lord,  
life is changed not ended,  
and, when this earthly dwelling turns to dust,  
an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven. 

 

What to do when you’ve lost a loved one

It is hard to know what to do when you have lost a loved one, but we can provide some clarity for your next steps. Here are the first three things to do: 

  1. Call the funeral home you’d like to work with. A funeral home is staffed by compassionate and organized professionals. They will help navigate the many details surrounding the death of a loved one. 

  2. Call your parish. Parish staff have experience helping families to plan and pray through funeral liturgies in the Catholic tradition. See below for how St. John’s can help you.

  3. Talk with family, friends, and the Lord. You are not alone in this, even though it might feel that way. Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazarus and then showed us that he himself is the resurrection and the life. The Lord weeps with us, yet also promises us that death is not the end. 

St. John’s will accompany you through loss  

We are sorry for your loss. We are here to accompany you however we are able. Please call St. John’s at 402-280-3031 to begin the funeral planning process with us:

  1. St. John’s staff will work with you to reserve the church space.

  2. St. John’s staff meets with the family in person and/or virtually to plan the liturgies. There is nothing you need to do to prepare for this meeting other than scheduling it. During this meeting we will: 

    • Pray with you and listen to your memories of your loved one. 

    • Assist in choosing scripture readings and sacred music. 

    • Assist in finding a priest, musicians, and other ministers as needed. 

    • Confirm other information for the worship guide, which St. John's staff will design and print. This worship guide allows attendees to participate in the funeral liturgy and is different from a keepsake leaflet created by a funeral home. 

  3. St. John’s can provide a pastoral staff person to lead a funeral vigil service at the funeral home or at the church, and/or to lead the committal (interment, inurnment, burial) at the cemetery.