St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral · Des Moines
Funerals at St. Paul’s
Care in a time of loss. Hope in Jesus Christ.
When someone you love has died, we are here to help you honor their life, plan a service, and find support in your grief.
A place to begin
When someone has died
You do not have to make every decision at once. We will work through the arrangements with you, beginning with your family’s needs and any wishes the person has left.
If a funeral home is involved, let us know who is helping with the arrangements so we can coordinate the church service.
Share their story
Tell us about the person who has died, what mattered to them, and any wishes they recorded.
Talk through the arrangements
Agree on a date and the kind of service before finalizing other arrangements. We can explain the options and answer practical questions.
Prepare the service together
Choose readings, prayers, and music with clergy and the music staff. We will explain the order of service and how family and friends might take part.
The Episcopal funeral service
Remembering a life.
Entrusting someone to God.
An Episcopal funeral is Christian worship shaped by the resurrection of Jesus. We give thanks for the person who has died, entrust them to God’s care, and pray for those who mourn.
Christian hope makes room for sorrow. You do not have to set aside your grief or find the right words. Scripture, prayer, and the presence of others can help carry us when words are difficult.
- Scripture and prayer speak of God’s mercy and the hope of resurrection.
- Music gives voice to grief, thanksgiving, and hope.
- Holy Communion may be part of the service, celebrating our life together in Christ.
“Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.”Book of Common Prayer, p. 499
A gift to those you love
Planning ahead
Writing down your funeral wishes can spare those you love from having to guess what you would want. A few notes are a useful beginning; you do not need a finished plan.
Consider what you would like your family and clergy to know:
- Scripture readings or hymns that are meaningful to you.
- Your wishes for a funeral or memorial service.
- Any arrangements you have already made.
- Who should know where your plans are kept.
Share your wishes with your family and clergy, keep them somewhere accessible, and update them as circumstances change.
Practical questions
Questions about funerals
What if we are not members of St. Paul’s?
You are welcome to seek guidance whether or not you belong to St. Paul’s or know the Episcopal Church. Our clergy will listen to your family’s needs and explain the possibilities for a service at the cathedral.
Can we choose readings and music?
Yes. The Book of Common Prayer includes suggested Scripture readings for the burial service, offering a helpful place to begin. Bring readings and hymns that are meaningful to your family or the person who has died. Clergy and the music staff will help you choose selections suited to the Episcopal service.
What about cremation or a memorial service?
Tell clergy about any plans for burial or cremation. They can discuss a service with the body or cremated remains present, or a memorial service when neither is present, and help you consider how the church service and burial arrangements fit together.
What about St. Paul’s columbarium?
A columbarium is a place with individual niches for cremated remains. St. Paul’s columbarium is intended for people for whom the cathedral or the Diocese of Iowa has been an important part of their lives. It offers a resting place within the community of faith that has helped shape and sustain them. Ask the cathedral office about current availability, who may be interred there, costs, and arrangements for a committal service.
Can family or friends take part?
If someone would like to read Scripture or offer a remembrance, mention this when you meet with clergy. They can help you find an appropriate place for participation within the service.
Can we speak with clergy before a death?
Yes. Clergy are available to discuss funeral wishes and offer pastoral support during illness or at the end of life.
Talk with us
We are here to help.
Call the cathedral office for funeral arrangements or pastoral support. For planning ahead and other questions, you can also send an inquiry.
For time-sensitive arrangements, please call rather than using the inquiry form.815 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309