How to Arrange a Service
Contact a Funeral Home:
First, select a funeral home. Let the Funeral Director know that you would like the Mass at St. Margaret Mary Church. They will coordinate with the parish office to secure dates and times for the Vigil (Rosary) and the Funeral Mass.
Liturgical Planning
Once a date is confirmed, the parish Deacon will work with you to select:
Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament passages
- Psalm passages
- New Testament passages
Musical Guidelines for Funerals
At St. Margaret Mary, music is a vital part of the liturgical planning process. While the parish provides support for selecting sacred hymns appropriate for the liturgy, there are specific guidelines regarding musicians:
- Live Musicians: Live music is welcomed, provided the musician is familiar with the requirements of a Catholic Mass.
- Parish Musicians: The parish has volunteer musicians available.
- If you choose to use them, you may request their contact information from the parish office.
- Please note that these musicians set their own individual fees.
- Prerecorded Music: If a live musician is not secured, prerecorded music will be utilized for the service.
Participants:
You may designate family members or friends to serve as lectors (readers), gift bearers during the Mass and pallbearers.
The Rite of Christian Burial
The Rite of Christian Burial is a sacred series of liturgies offered by the Church for the deceased.
The Vigil Service (Rosary):
Often held at the funeral home the night before, this is a time for the community to gather in prayer and support.
The Funeral Mass:
The central liturgical celebration held at the church.
The Rite of Committal:
The final farewell at the place of interment (cemetery).
Order of the Funeral Mass
Entrance: The service begins with the reception of the body at the church entrance.
Blessings: The casket is sprinkled with holy water and covered with the funeral pall.
Liturgy of the Word: Includes scripture readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, and New Testament selected by the family.
Homily: A reflection given by the priest or deacon.
Prayer of the Faithful: General intercessions for the deceased and the mourning community.
Presentation of the Gifts: Family members or friends may serve as gift bearers during this time.
Liturgy of the Eucharist: The central part of the Mass involving the consecration.
Communion: The distribution of the Holy Eucharist.
Blessing of Farewell: The final commendation and commendatory prayer.
Recession: The formal exit from the church to the place of interment.
Key Contact Information
To begin the process or for immediate assistance, please reach out to the parish office:
- Phone: (210) 532-6309
- Address: 1314 Fair Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78223
Map of funeral homes near St. Margaret Mary.
Funeral Arrangements at St. Margaret Mary
If you have lost a loved one, our parish community offers its deepest condolences. St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church is here to support you through the liturgical planning of the funeral service.
Upcoming Funeral Services
The parish maintains a schedule for confirmed funeral liturgies. You can check for recent updates and upcoming services on the Funeral Arrangements page.
Note: Please keep the families of our departed parishioners in your prayers during this difficult time.






