Funerals

The St. Boniface Church staff and clergy are here to help you, please contact us. The best way to reach us is to call the office at 941-349-5616.   In addition to spiritual support, we will have practical guidance at every step.

We are a Christian community, and the death of anyone affects all of us. The entire congregation will pray at the altar on Sunday. Everyone you work with when planning the funeral will be offering a silent prayer for you, for the one who has died, and for those who mourn.

The funeral service for a Christian is held in the church and will be either the Burial Office or Requiem Eucharist from the Book of Common Prayer. 

Music at a church service is directed by the Music Minister. All music in a service will be live, and not recorded. Hymns will be from the Episcopal Hymnal in the pews. The officiant and musician will consult with the family about the music.

One person may speak for the family in honor of the deceased. This must be from a prepared text, and the speaker will need to meet with the officiating clergy in advance. This memorial will take place at the beginning of the service. You may find that other remembrances and ways of honoring the one who has died are best left to a reception or wake held at a time different from the church service.

Flowers and plants may be placed on the altar retable as a sign of resurrection. If you desire a particular arrangement, we will suggest a florist familiar with the church. Flowers placed on the retable remain in the church. We discourage other floral displays and encourage memorial gifts in lieu of flowers. If family and friends send arrangements, the altar guild will place them in the church.

We will prepare the church for the service. A quiet place can be set aside for you and the immediate family to meet the clergy beforehand. Parking will be reserved if necessary. 

If you desire to host a reception at St. Boniface, we can help you with appropriate arrangements. There will be a facility charge for a large reception, evenings or weekends. Our campus caterer is an independent vendor and can help you plan a reception here.

There are two opportunities for memorial gifts:

Gifts to St. Boniface Church in lieu of flowers are a way for your family and friends to honor your loved one. These funds are used to support the on-going work of the parish: worship, teaching, healing, and service.

You or your family may want to name a gift in honor of your loved one. In this case, please consult with the Rector about the currently available memorial projects or one of special meaning to you.

The Columbarium which surrounds the courtyard chapel is a beautiful final resting place for urns containing ashes. Niches are available in two sizes, depending how many urns you intend to place. A standard bronze urn is available for $375. To purchase a niche or an urn, please contact Lisa Wolf (941)349-5616 x 320.   

There are some costs connected to a funeral. A fee of $400 covers all the parish costs related to preparing the church, printing the leaflets, and the music for the service. There will be an additional charge for staff support and building use evenings and weekends.  The business office will mail a statement to the responsible person or to the estate of the person who has died, whichever you direct.

Clergy at Saint Boniface do not accept gifts or honoraria for the services. Instead, you are encouraged to make a gift to the St. Boniface Discretionary Fund which supports special ministries and enables the clergy to give aid to individuals and familie