What should I do When a loved one dies?
A Funeral Home (mortuary) will assist you in contacting the parish or chapel for arrangements. Please see the information below about local mortuaries.

When are funeral masses celebrated?
Most funerals at Santa Clara Church and Chapel are celebrated at 10:00am during weekdays.  It is also possible to celebrate funeral liturgies later in the day up to 2:00pm weekdays.  Due to the number of weekend ceremonies and liturgies already scheduled at Santa Clara, we generally are unable to celebrate funeral masses on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note that funeral liturgies are NOT celebrated during teh Sacred Triduum of Holy Week.

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 is comprised of the following elements:  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 always takes place with a closed casket.
3. The Rite of Committal The Rite of Committal, the final of the Funeral Rites, may be presided over by a 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.  To avoid confusion, we ask that only person serve as the official contact with the parish for planning purposes.

Can our family have a military-style Rite of Commital?
Yes.  For military funeral needs, please communicate directly with Fr. John Love, pastor. US Military comittals at the cemetery are quite similar to a civilian funeral with the addition of certain included military elements such as the Sounding of the Taps, Presentation of the Colors to NOK, and optional 21 gun salute. For burial at sea, please contact the Seabee Chapel at NBVC, 805-982-4358.

 For more information about military funerals and honors, please click here or contact:

• Military One Source (800) 342-9647
• Ventura County Veteran's  Center, 90 E. Santa Clara Street, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93001 (805) 585-1860

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 an undignified manner, but are to be interred or inurned in a cemetery columbarium; keeping the remains at home is not part of Catholic tradition.

In what language can the Mass be celebrated at Santa Clara?
Spanish, English, and/or Bilingual.  Preaching in Tagalog if required or requested.

Can an outside priest celebrate the Mass?
Yes. However, the family should consider offering a donation for his services.  If the priest is not from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, he must bring a celebret or "Permission to Minister" letter from his bishop or religious superior.

Can a family member or friend guide the Holy Rosary at the Vigil?
Yes.  The leader of the Rosary need not be a cleric.

What are the most common symbols used? Are they required?
Usually a Bible, Rosary and Crucifix. These items are not required.

Parish Office
(805) 487-3891
or
Monica Gutierrez
[email protected]
(805) 330-8212