Decisions to be made

Q : Do we need a cemetery plot?

A : If you don't have a cemetery plot, your Funeral Director can supply you with details of available places as well as the bylaws governing the cemetery and the various costs. If the decision has not yet been made, now is the best time for the family to decide between a burial, cremation or entombment.

Q : Should we order flowers?

A : A decision on flowers should be taken as soon as possible by the family.

You can contact your florist who will assign a staff member to visit you at home with pictures and catalogs of various arrangements. If you prefer, you can go directly to the florist shop and see different arrangements on hand. There is no cost for that service.

The Memorial cards normally delivered with the flowers will be removed and given to the family so that proper Thank you cards can be prepared.

Q : What is a memorial donation?

A : Friends and family may prefer to do a memorial donation in honour of the beloved deceased.

Your Funeral Director is familiar with this option, and can supply you with Memorial Cards on which information can be written by the donor.

All Memorial Donation Cards received will be given to the family so that proper Thank you cards can be prepared.

Q: What is a Mass Card?

A : A Mass Card is a testimony of condolences expressed by the catholic families.

You can obtain a Mass Card at the catholic parish, or in certain cases, from your Funeral Director.

The Mass Cards will be given to the family so that proper Thank you cards can be prepared.

Q : Where can we get proper Thank you Cards?

A : A selection of Thank you Cards are available with your Funeral Director. The costs of these cards are included in the service charges.

Preparations to be made

Q : Do I have to organize a reception?

A : A reception following the funeral is not compulsory. If you wish to have a reception, you have certain options:

. Home reception (trays of sandwiches, vegetables, desserts, and beverages like coffee, tea, juice)

. Reception at the Church or Banquet Hall

Caterers can be hired to take care of the reception. Ask your Funeral Director for some suggestions.

Q : How to choose the Funeral Cortège?

A : Six pallbearers are required to carry the coffin.

Usually, the family chooses the pallbearers among family members, close friends, business or working partners, brotherhood organizations or church members.

Remember that to be a pallbearer in the Funeral Cortège requires physical strength

The members of the Funeral Cortège should be at the chapel or church at least 30 minutes before the funeral service. They can either go together in a vehicle chosen by the family or by their own means.

A list of the names of the pallbearers and other people of the Funeral Cortège should be given to the Funeral Director at least one day prior to the funeral service.

Q : What is a list of vehicles and do I need one?

A : The Funeral Director needs a list of all the vehicles to organize the funeral procession. He will meet with you the day prior to the funeral service. At that meeting, it will be decided which family members will be in which car (if possible, the color and make of each vehicle should be supplied). This information will help the Funeral Director with the seating of family members at the funeral service. As the family cars arrive, the drivers should identify themselves. By preparing a list, vehicles will be placed in the appropriate order for the funeral procession.

PLEASE NOTE: WHILE DRIVING TO THE CHURCH OR CEMETERY IN THE FUNERAL PROCESSION, USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN ARRIVING AT A RED LIGHT INTERSECTION BECAUSE YOU COULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS.

Q : What should I prepare for the day of the funeral service?

A : Usually, the day before the funeral service, the Funeral Director will review with you, in detail, the preparations for the day of the funeral service.

Q : What should I do during the visitation hours at the Funeral Home?

A : During that period, the Funeral Director will be there to assist you with all your requests. Visitations are normally for the family, friends and/or work associates that come to support and comfort you through this period of loss and grief. The Funeral Director will look after the greeting of guests, memorial donations, flowers and all other arrangements.

Q : Can I personalize the Funeral Service?

A : Yes, you can personalize the funeral service. You can choose the appropriate music such as comforting hymns and any music specially loved by the deceased (popular, folk, classical, etc.).

Treasured family photos, letters from the grandchildren or momentos can be displayed in the visitation room.

If the deceased belonged to a fraternal organization (brotherhood) that wishes to provide a memorial ceremony, it will normally be done during visiting hours on the evening before the funeral service.

Your Funeral Director can assist you with any special desired arrangements.