Funeral Announcements and Planning
Please check here for announcements about scheduled funerals or memorial services at St. James’.
Did You Know You Can Pre-Plan Your Funeral?
The selection of hymns and Scripture verses for a funeral or memorial service is often very difficult for a family reeling from the death of a loved one. There are a great many decisions to be made in a very short period of time. Fortunately, the church has an answer for this dilemma: planning your own funeral in advance.
Funeral pre-planning is not as gloomy or depressing as it might sound. The procedure is simple. You and perhaps a loved one set up a time to meet with the priest and usually the music director to make hymn and Scripture selections from the hymnal and Bible. There are a number of hymns and Scripture verses which are particularly appropriate for funerals as they are very comforting and reassuring for the family and friends.
You can also decide if you wish to have Communion at the funeral, Rite 1 or Rite 2, etc. The priest and musician will gently guide you through the process, answer all of your questions, and complete a form which will be kept on file at the church. You will also receive a copy for your records. Then, when the time comes, your family will not be burdened with trying to decide what you would like. They know.
Preparing for Christian Burial
The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation.
Purchasing a Place for Burial
Generally, because of space limitations, regular grave sites are no longer for sale to the general public although there is a section of the graveyard set aside for ashes (“lawn niches”) which is open, and the Columbarium is open (see below).
A single 30 sq. ft. grave site costs $1000 and a double site costs $2000. A single lawn niche costs $150 and a double lawn niche costs $300.
Funeral Guidelines for funeral services at St. James’, including burial costs.
If you would like to formally plan a funeral at St. James’, please call the parish office at 845-229-2820.
St. James’ Columbarium and Meditation Garden
The Columbarium and Meditation Garden are located on the south side of the church.
Because of the history of our church we receive visitors of all faiths from all corners of the world. Because of our faith, we welcome all guests as beloved children of God and we hope that all will find the Meditation Garden a place of tranquility and peace – a sacred space.
