Funerals

If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. 
– Romans 6:8

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Because of our belief not only in the immortality of the soul, but also in the resurrection of the body, the Church professes hope in the face of death, and acts with charity in the funeral rites. Through private prayer and public funeral rites, we strengthen our faith and hope, comfort those who mourn, and bury the bodily remains of the deceased with care befitting what was the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

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At the Time of Death of a Loved One

As a loved one approaches death or has passed away, please contact the parish office to begin making funeral arrangements. We will assist you in working with the funeral home, planning the liturgy and selecting appropriate hymns, and coordinating any reception needs.

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Please consider the following information when calling the parish office:

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• Requested date/time of funeral

• Requested celebrant 

• Whether you will request a reception following the liturgy.

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Please note that the specifics requested above are not due to the existing calendar and clergy availability.

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Contact Karen Kotara, Secretary to the Pastor, at 404-978-0343.

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Livestreaming

We do not livestream funeral liturgies.

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Pre-planning Your Funeral

We encourage our parishioners to make funeral plans in advance to ensure that your wishes are carried out and so that your loved ones are not burdened with making the arrangements in their time of grief. 

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To assist you in your planning, we have created the following documents:

 

The Pre-Planning Worksheet: The worksheet can be downloaded by clicking here. Once complete, provide a copy for you loved ones and then return it to OLA for our files.

 

Liturgy Readings List: This list provides you with reading suggestions for the funeral Mass. Click the link below to download the following:

 

• 1st Readings (Not During the Easter Season)

• 1st Readings (During the Easter Season)

• Suggested 2nd Readings

• Suggested Gospel readings

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Suggested Hymns List: Click here to download the list of suggested hymns.

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Eulogies vs. Words of Remembrance: Eulogies and Words of Remembrance are two distinct ways of honoring a loved one’s life. A eulogy is not part of the funeral liturgy because the focus of the service is Christ’s saving work and hope for the future. However, ONE brief (3-5 minuts) Words of Remebrance may be shared. 

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Traditionally, a Eulogy is a lengthy speech praising the life and accomplishments of the deceased. 

 

Words of Remembrances are a brief reflection (3-5 minutes) shared by one designated family member or close friend, focusing on the faith and Christian witness of the deceased, and are spoken after communion.

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​What to do with your completed forms?

• Completed plans should be given to your loved ones.

• They should also be handed in to the parish office or emailed to funerals@olachurch.org. 

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Purchasing a Columbarium Niche in the Garden of Memories

In 2015 then-Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, SLD blessed the columbarium at OLA for the burial of cremated remains. Inurnment in the columbarium is available for OLA parishioners, their family, and Catholics from the local area. Learn More About OLA’s Columbarium Here.

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