Funerals

The priests, staff, and parishioners of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish extend our prayers and sympathy to you at this time of loss. May the grace and peace of the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you.

Arrangements for funerals are coordinated through the funeral home of your choice. Contact information for funeral homes located in Medford is listed below. Once you have met with a funeral home, please contact our staff at [email protected] or 781-396-0423 and our office manager will connect you with a priest for assistance in preparing for the Funeral Rites.

Please see the following for instructions on the Burial of the Deceased and the Conservation of Ashes.

We have compiled a selection of readings and music that are appropriate for the Funeral Mass in our Funeral Planning Guide.

Our parish admin or one of the priests will assist you in completing the selection sheet found on page two of the planning guide, or in the documents section of this page. You may choose readers from among your family or friends. If you select someone for a reading, please provide them with a copy of the selection. The selections follow this order: one Old Testament Reading, one Psalm (sung by cantor), one New Testament Reading and one Gospel Reading. The priest will call forth the readers in that order, keeping in mind that the Psalm selection is sung by the cantor and the Gospel is always proclaimed by the priest or deacon. There is also an opportunity to have members of the family or friends bring up the gifts of bread and wine to the altar (normally one or two people may do this). You may also select the Prayers of the Faithful and ask a family member, friend or the priest to offer these intercessions. The family may also choose one person to offer a eulogy, or Words of Remembrance, not to exceed five minutes. A copy of these words should be provided to the priest or funeral director the night before the Funeral Mass. 

It is preferred and recommended that “words of remembrance” (eulogy) be given at the family gathering after the Funeral Mass. Other possibilities may be to offer comments at the wake or graveside service. Please see the following guidelines: Words of Remembrance.

You will also find various music selections in our funeral book that you may choose. If you have any questions regarding music, especially if you would like to choose music that is not listed among the suggested selections, please contact our Music Director at musicdirector (at) stcatherinenorwood.org or 781-762-6080 ext. 126. Please note that all music selected for the Funeral Mass must be liturgical and approved by our Director of Music.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Mary, Queen of Peace Parish or Saint Joseph's School, 114 High Street, Medford, MA 02155.

Funeral homes located in Medford:

• 306 Main Street
• Medford, MA 02155
• phone: 781-396-9200
• www.dellorusso.net

• 29 Governors Ave.
• Medford, MA 02155
• phone: 781-395-0128
• www.magliozzifuneralhome.com

Please do not hesitate to contact one of the parish priests, our office manager, or Director of Music should you have any questions, problems, or concerns. Contact info can be found on our Parish Staff page.