Planning and understanding the Catholic funeral is steeped in centuries-old customs and ritual, but the most important aspect is that it expresses the Christian hope in eternal life and the resurrection of the body on the last day.  Every component of the Catholic funeral rite should express these fundamental beliefs and hopes, truly a privileged opportunity to return to God the gift of the deceased, hoping to usher them into paradise with the aid of prayers. 
 
When a loved one dies, those left are often bogged down by all the decisions to be made, and the focus on faith and hope may be missed.  Bereaved family and friends often will have to make many decisions about their loved one’s funeral, not always fully prepared to do so.  Whenever possible, the Church recommends that the family should be involved in planning the funeral rites, from choices of texts and readings to music selections.  Guidance on making some of these decisions may be facilitated through our Parish Office, or a selected and reputable funeral director. 
 
St. Ambrose Church works closely with all funeral directors that contact our office, whether local, out of town, or out of state, and we provide a comprehensive “packet of information”, so that the planning is honorable, respectful, and within the teachings of the Church.  The two most local funeral directors with whom St. Ambrose works often and intimately are:
 

Old Bridge Funeral Home
2350 County Road 516
Old Bridge New Jersey 08857
email:  [email protected]
website: www.oldbridgefh.com
 
Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals
3377 U. S. Highway 9
Old Bridge New Jersey
email:  hegartyf[email protected]
website:  www.hegartyscaliafuneralhome.com

In an ideal situation, everyone would have a pre-planned funeral that included the purchase of a gravesite.  Grave plots can range in price, depending on location, and most plots start around $1,000.00.  However, most of us do not prepare for our funeral in advance, and this can sometimes result in confusion and financial burden for our loved ones.  If you have the foresight and desire to pre-plan your funeral, or are considering buying a grave plot ahead of time,   St. Ambrose Church owns grave plots in Forest Green Park Cemetery in nearby Morganville, New Jersey, the Guardian Angels Section.  Upon purchase, a deed is provided to the owner/purchaser and a Notification of Sale is forwarded to Forest Green, essentially “reserving” that purchased space(s). 
 
If you are interested in speaking with someone regarding purchasing a grave (single or double plot) at     Forest Green/Guardian Angels, kindly call the Parish Office,  and we will be happy to discuss any arrangements you may want to make.