We are happy to hold a time for both family and friends to pay their respects more personally to the deceased prior to the funeral Mass. While many use the word visitation for this time, we prefer to use the word viewing. Since the viewing takes place in the sacred space of our Church not only is it impossible to offer food and drink for the family, many other typical comforts of a visitation (spaces for visiting, space for large photo and flower arrangements, private space for family accommodations) are not possible. Viewings at St. Matthew are a time for prayer and consolation for the family. If you would like to hold a more traditional visitation we have many funeral homes in the Champaign area.
