You. Are. Loved.

“God can see into your broken heart, my friend. He hears the groaning from the depths of your grief. He can understand what you are experiencing and thinking and feeling. He knows what you want to say or need to say, but find it impossible to say. He accepts that helpless feeling as your prayer.”
Dr. Oswald Hoffmann

Grief, Loss & Chronic Illness Support

We Are Here for You

Grieving is a deeply personal journey, and our parish is here to offer comfort and support. There is no “normal” way to mourn—only your way, in your time.

How Can We Support You?

We care and pray for you. Join us for our Mass of Comfort and Healing at 8 AM on the first Saturday of each month. Can’t attend? Email us your prayer intentions and loved one's name at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We also hold a Memorial Mass during all weekend liturgies on the first Sunday of November.

Need Help or a Support Group?

Our large parish has many ministries ready to assist you. We can also connect you with local grief support groups that fit your needs. Learn more at catholiccharitiesks.org/hospice/grief-support.

You and your loved ones are in our prayers.

“Eternal rest grant unto our loved ones, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them.”

Contact

Joan Brisimitzakis and the Grief Ministry Team
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Funeral Policy

We at Holy Trinity want to express our sympathy at the loss of your loved one. Through its funeral rites, the Church celebrates the good works of God shown through the life of the deceased and commends them to God's merciful love. The information below outlines our parish funeral policy, from planning the Mass of Christian Burial to fees, cremation guidelines, and the funeral luncheon.

Contact

Fr. Mike Koller, Pastor — This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
James Schroeder, Director of Liturgy — This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Joe Heron, Director of Music — This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Parish Office: 913.888.2770

Who Can Be Offered a Funeral Mass

Holy Trinity celebrates funeral services for current or former parishioners and their relatives. Other requests with no parish connection are decided by the pastor. Catholic burial, including the funeral Mass, may also be offered to a baptized non-Catholic who could reasonably be presumed to prefer Catholic burial services. A Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass may be permitted at the pastor's discretion.

Funeral Times

Funeral arrangements begin with a meeting with the funeral director, who typically contacts the parish to confirm the date and time. Parish staff then meet with the family to discuss the musical and liturgical details.

The Mass of Christian Burial is customarily celebrated in the morning, reflecting the theme of resurrection. At Holy Trinity, morning funeral Masses are scheduled at 10:30 AM; visitation can be scheduled at 9:30 AM if not held the preceding evening at the funeral home. Procession to the cemetery and burial usually follow the Mass.

The Order of Christian Funerals

The Order of Christian Funerals has three parts: the Vigil (wake service) — an optional alternative to the Rosary the evening before the funeral — the Mass of Christian Burial, and the Rite of Committal (burial). The casket remains closed during the funeral liturgy.

Cremation

It is the Church's preference that the funeral Mass be celebrated with the body present. The body may be buried or cremated after the Mass; if cremation occurs first, the cremains may be brought to church for the Mass. Church law requires cremains to be laid to rest in consecrated ground — buried or kept in a columbarium/mausoleum. If neither the body nor cremains are present, a memorial Mass may be celebrated.

Families using a cremation-only provider should note that, unlike full-service funeral homes, these providers — and Holy Trinity Church — do not supply:

• Guest book and pens
• Memorial contribution envelopes
• Acknowledgment cards and envelopes
• Prayer cards
• Memorial folders
• A crucifix
• Display easels
• Obituary posting
• Honoraria
• Transport of cremains

Fees and Honoraria

Most funeral directors include these costs in their itemized billing. Families handling fees personally should pay before the funeral liturgy begins.

A gift to the priest comparable to the organist's fee is appropriate and appreciated. The deceased's name will be announced in the parish bulletin and at weekend Masses, and Mass Intention cards are available in the Parish Office. Memorial gifts in memory of the deceased are also welcome. Questions about the fee schedule: 913-888-2770.

Funeral Luncheon

The parish offers a light lunch after the funeral, hosted by volunteers: sliced ham and turkey, sliced cheese, bread, and condiments. A minimal cost of $3.00 per person (based on the family's best estimate) is payable to Holy Trinity on the day of the funeral. The Luncheon Committee supplies salads, vegetables, desserts, and beverages, and families are welcome to bring their own caterer at their own expense.

Additional Considerations

Stone Chapel funerals: the Stone Chapel (9130 Pflumm Road) is not handicapped accessible.
Flowers: permitted; parish staff directs placement. After Mass, please remove only the flowers the family and friends provided.
Photographs and memorabilia: memorial displays are encouraged at funeral home visitations. Any display used at the church should stay simple and be placed outside the sanctuary. Holy Trinity AV equipment cannot support DVD presentations; stand-alone equipment needing only a wall outlet may be used in the church lobby.
Music: the parish music director coordinates all funeral music, including any requested cantor or outside musicians, and provides a worship aid. Recorded music is not permitted in the liturgy.

Download the Funeral Planning Guide (PDF)