The Funeral Celebration

We are very sorry for your Loss. May the Lord bless and strength you
at this challenging moment. Please, let us assist you
with the funeral planning. 
What Should I Do When a Loved One Dies?
Most of the times in our area, the Funeral Home will assist you calling us for the funeral arrangements. Please see next column the information about the local mortuaries.

​1. The Vigil or Wake (Best time for eulogies)
This Rite, presided over by a priest, deacon, or prepared layperson (or member of the family) generally consists of: Introductory Rite, Liturgy of the Word, Intercessory Prayer and Concluding Rite and Blessing. The rosary, or a portion of it, may be included as part of the petitions within this Rite, or preferably, it may be recited by the family at a time other than the Vigil. Usually Vigils or Wake are with open casket.

2. The Funeral Liturgy
The Funeral Liturgy (Mass) is the community's principal celebration. Generally, the Funeral Liturgy comprises: The Rite of Reception (unless already celebrated as part of the Vigil), the Liturgy of the Word, The Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Final Commendation and Farewell. This celebration is with closed casket.

3. The Rite of Committal
The Rite of Committal, the final of the Funeral Rites, may be presided over by priest, deacon or layperson. It is best celebrated in close proximity to the actual burial place - grave, tomb or crematorium. This rite is intentionally brief. However, if this is the sole Funeral Rite, it may be expanded to include the Rite of Final Commendation or additional music and readings, a brief homily, and petitions.

Who Should Be Involved in Funeral Preparation?
Family members and close friends of the deceased are encouraged to have an active role in preparing and choosing the elements of the Funeral Rites.

Is Cremation Allowed?
Although traditional burial procedure which reflects respect for the body is still normal Catholic practice, cremation is allowed by the Catholic Church for justifiable reasons. Cremation would ordinarily take place after the Funeral Liturgy. These remains should never be scattered or handled in a undignified manner, but are to be interred or inurned in a cemetery columbarium; keeping the remains at home is not part of Catholic tradition.
our services - calendar
After the Mortuary arrangements, they will assist you in contacting us for an appointment to go over the details of the funeral liturgy. 

Usually Funeral Masses at Santa Clara Parish are at 10am on weekdays. We will provide a minister for the Vigil, Funeral Mass, and Internment (Graveside) as long celebrations are local. Please talk to mortuary for all your funeral arrangements.

The times for the services vary. However these are the more common times:
Option 1 (Two-day celebration)
7pm Vigil/Wake - The night before Mass/Eulogies (Funeral home)
10am Funeral Mass* - The day of the burial (Church)
11:30am Internments - Graveside liturgy after Holy Mass (Cemetery)

Option 2 (One day-celebration)
9am Viewing - Before Holy Rosary (Church)
9:30am Holy Rosary - Before Holy Mass (Church)
10am Funeral Mass* - The day of the burial* (Church)
11:30am Internments - Graveside liturgy after Holy Mass (Cemetery)

Option 3** (One day-celebration/Catholic Cemetery Only)
9am Viewing - Before Holy Rosary (Chapel Cemetery)
9:30am Holy Rosary - Before Holy Mass (Chapel Cemetery)
10am Funeral Mass - The day of the burial* (Chapel Cemetery)
11:30am Internments - Graveside liturgy after Holy Mass (Cemetery)
​
* A 3-4 minutes Eulogy may be said by one member of the family only.
** Please contact the Catholic Mortuary for more information.
LITURGY PLANNING - READINGS - MUSIC
  • LIT. FORM
  • READINGS
  • MUSIC
<
>
Please click on image to see the
"LITURGY PLANNING FORM"
(Please fill out form as soon as spossible)
Mr. Lance Crane, Music Director
music@santaclaraparish.org
(805) 330-8215
Liturgical Music is already selected for this celebration. For any questions you may contact our music director.
local mortuaries
Informational purposes only. Families are free to choose any mortuary.​
SANTA CLARA MORTUARY
2370 N H St, Oxnard, CA 93036
www.santaclaramortuary.com
(805) 485-5757

GARCIA MORTUARY
629 S A St, Oxnard, CA 93030
www.garciamortuaryoxnard.com
(805) 486-9148

CAMINO DEL SOL MORTUARY
200 N C St, Oxnard, CA 93030
www.caminodelsolfuneralhome.com
(805) 483-3443

JAMES A. REARDON MORTUARY
401 W Channel Islands Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93033
(805) 483-2233

REARDON FUNERAL HOME
511 N A St, Oxnard, CA 93030
www.reardonfh.com
(805) 487-1720
most common questions
In what language can the Mass be celebrated?
Spanish, English, and/or Bilingual.

Can a priest friend of the family celebrate the Mass?
Yes. However, the family should consider giving him a donation for his services. The parish is committed to supply our own priests. If the priest is not from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, he must bring a "Celebrat" letter from his bishop.

Can a family member or friend guide the Holy Rosary at the Vigil?
Yes. It is always encouraged to invite family members or friends.

What are the most common symbols used? Are they required?
Usually they are Bible, Rosary and Crucifix. They are not required.
contact us
Parish Office
(805) 487-3891
or
Monica Gutierrez
monica@santaclaraparish.org
(805) 330-8212
Santa Clara Church- 323 S E St., Oxnard CA 93030 - (805)487-3891
Santa Clara Chapel- 1333 E. Ventura Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93036 - (805)485-7335
1903-2021 Santa Clara Catholic Church. All rights reserved.
​church@santaclaraparish.org