Matarese Funeral Home and Cremation Service is a non-sectarian funeral home serving all faiths. We conduct funerals for Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches, as well as Hindu, Jehovah Witness, Jewish and other faiths. There are some guidelines, depending on your religious beliefs, to assist you.

Protestant funeral services generally begin with calling hours or visitation prior to the funeral. The calling hours take place the evening before or the morning of the service. The funeral itself can be held in a formal church setting or in the funeral home. Families are encouraged to participate by choosing the music, hymns, and scripture readings. Following the ceremony, a brief prayer service is held at the cemetery before interment.

A Roman Catholic funeral follows traditional guidelines. The calling hours or wake are held the evening before the funeral and include a brief prayer service conducted by a priest or a lay minister. The following day family members and close friends gather at the funeral home to process to church. To personalize the service family members may choose the old and new testament readings as well as the hymns. Following the mass committal prayers are said at the cemetery prior to interment.

Although many families elect to have a church funeral, it is not the only option. Families can develop a service without specific religious affiliation that acknowledges the life of a loved one. Family and friends gather to express their grief, support one another, and celebrate their personal relationship. The ceremony may incorporate poetry, music, readings, and personal experiences that reflect the life of the deceased.

Funeral services can be simple or elaborate, religious or secular, traditional or contemporary. There are many options. Our compassionate, professional services can help you develop a ceremony to meet your personal needs.

"Compassionate service with dignity and integrity"
325 Main Street
Ashland, MA 01721
Phone (508) 881-1444
FAX (508) 881-4865
mataresefuneral@comcast.net