Funerals at St. Barts
St. Bartholomew's works closely with local funeral homes to support grieving families.
St. Barts is prepared to offer its sanctuary for wakes, burials or memorial services. The priest is available during these times. Ideally, the family has made advance preparations with the priest. We will be uploading forms soon for your use.
Families should contact the priest if they know if their loved one is close to dying so he can offer an anointing, prayers and assistance from the community.
Please note the following:
Funerals in the church are usually services with a Holy Eucharist.
Stories and remembrances are especially appropriate during the wake.
Eulogies may be offered by individuals other than the priest.
Generally, the priest offers a few words after the eulogy.
We ask that the family and friends participate in the service through
Reading the Old Testament
Reading the New Testament
Reading the Prayers of the People
Bringing up the offertory
Offering a musical selection at the proper time.
The family may choose readings and hymns. The priest should be consulted.
Popular, non-traditional, music may be offered only at the consent of the priest.
The church's altar guild and Eucharistic ministers will help prepare the service.
The priest generally cannot offer his services on Fridays.
Fees
A sliding scale may apply. Those who have resources help us offer others our facilities at a reduced rate. Compare the donation to the church to the cost of a coffin or a funeral home.
No funeral will be turned down in cases of severe financial hardship or indigence. We simply assume that the cost will be a reasonable proportion of the entire expense of the funeral. Just ask. We almost never say "no."
For tithing (10%) or members who have made a commitment to tithe, and are known by the priest to do so, and have been active members of the church, all fees may be waived. A general donation to the church may be made instead.
For pledging members in good standing:
(Pledging means making a yearly commitment. Good standing means a communicant who has taken communion at St. Barts no less than 3 times in the previous year. We assume that committed members of the church will be inclined to be generous as they understand the offering services are not done on a fee-for-service system. Sacraments are not financial exchanges.)
Building: Donation (suggested $1000)
Clergy: Donation to discretionary fund (suggested $400)
Sexton: $50
Organist: $200; with rehearsal $300 Visiting soloists should provide music ahead of time.
Soloist: $150
Leaflets: First copy is $35. Each copy is $.05 thereafter.
Altar guild: Donation
For non-pledging members
Sliding scale may apply
Building: $500
Clergy: $500
Sexton: $100
Organist: $250; with rehearsal $350
Soloist: $150
Leaflets: $.75 a copy
Altar Guild: $100
"Those who have generously and graciously blessed the church with a bequest may have their fees waived at the rector's discretion."