Funeral & Memorial Service

Funeral & Memorial Service

Funerals

As Christians the funeral rites we offer to the deceased’s family are an act of thanksgiving for their loved one to God, the author of all life. We recognise the pain of loss runs deep; as when Jesus said, “Happy those who mourn; they shall be comforted”. Jesus spoke of the joy of having loved to the very core and hence the sense of deep loss. So, as well as being a service of thanksgiving, the funeral rites are also an opportunity for everyone to pray for the deceased and support those left behind.

The Easter Journey: A model for the funeral rites

The model for Catholic funerals is the Easter journey of Jesus from death to resurrection. This is why the Church provides three parts to the funeral celebration namely the prayer vigil, funeral liturgy, and committal.  

What actually happens during a funeral varies, most people choose to forego the prayer vigil, so the Church provides several options from which we can choose freely. There is greater flexibility and involvement possible than we sometimes imagine.  It is always best to talk things through with the priest or deacon before making any firm arrangements.

Funeral Mass

Please note underlined elements indicate a choice to be made when meeting with the priest/deacon

Introductory Rites:

  • Blessing of the coffin with Holy Water (at the door for the church)
  • Entrance Hymn
  • Placing of the pall (white sheet) on the coffin – family/friends may wish to do this
  • Words of Remembrance – spoken by a family member/friend (if any)
  • Placing of Christian symbols on the coffin (Bible & Crucifix) – family/friends may wish to do this
  • Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Eucharist:

  • Offertory Hymn – during which it is possible for family/friends to bring the bread and wine to the altar
  • Offertory Prayers
  • The Eucharistic Prayer
  • The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)
  • Sign of Peace
  • Communion Hymn – during which Holy Communion is distributed

Final Commendation and Farewell:

  • Reverencing of the Body – Holy Water and Incense at the coffin
  • Song of Farewell – usually sung
  • Prayer of Final Commendation
  • Recessional Hymn – as we take the coffin out of the church for committal

Funeral Service

Please note underlined elements indicate a choice to be made when meeting with the priest/deacon

Introductory Rites:

  • Blessing of the coffin with Holy Water (at the door for the church)
  • Entrance Hymn
  • Placing of the pall (white sheet) on the coffin – family/friends may wish to do this
  • Words of Remembrance – spoken by a family member/friend (if any)
  • Placing of Christian symbols on the coffin (Bible & Crucifix) – family/friends may wish to do this
  • Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

  • First Reading – from Scripture – chosen by the family and read by a family member/friend
  • Second Reading (optional) – from Scripture – chosen by the family and read by a family member/friend
  • Gospel Reading – usually chosen and read by the priest or deacon leading the funeral
  • Homily
  • Prayer of the Faithful – usually chosen by the family and read by a family member/friend
  • The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)

Final Commendation and Farewell:

Committal at the Cemetry

  • Reverencing of the Body – Holy Water and Incense at the coffin
  • Song of Farewell – usually sung
  • Prayer of Final Commendation
  • Recessional Hymn– as we take the coffin out of the church for committal
  • Scripture Verse
  • Blessing of the grave/prayer of thanksgiving
  • The Committal
  • Intercessions
  • Concluding Prayer
  • The Blessing

It is possible at this point of the day to add personal signs of farewell such as favourite songs, pieces of music, poems etc.  Please discuss your thoughts with the priest or deacon leading the funeral.

Committal at the crematorium

Please note underlined elements indicate a choice to be made when meeting with the priest/deacon

  • Entrance Music
  • Hymn (optional)
  • Scripture Verse
  • Preparatory Prayer
  • Sign of Farewell – usually a silent blessing at the coffin
  • The Committal
  • Intercessions
  • Concluding Prayer
  • The Blessing
  • Exit Music(optional)

It is possible at this point of the day to add personal signs of farewell such as favourite songs, pieces of music, poems etc. Please discuss your thoughts with the priest or deacon leading the funeral.

Can I have a favourite song or a CD at the Service?

Whilst we understand that there may be a favourite song or track you or your loved one may have, not all music is appropriate within a church. Music at a Funeral Liturgy should always be drawn from the broad repertoire of Christian hymns and compositions. A piece of music from another source may be used after the formal Liturgy has finished provided there is nothing in it inconsistent with the sacred nature of the place and the occasion.
In considering what to sing, do take into account the likely congregation and how they will respond to the invitation to sing. If the congregation is small, or unfamiliar with singing, it may be better to rely more on the organ or other instrumental music than song only. The priest or deacon conducting the funeral will help you decide the best place for any music. You can also download some music suggestions to help start the decision making process

 

Can I have a poem or another reading at the Service?

The readings at funerals are chosen only from those provided for Funerals in the Roman Lectionary.  Through the words of Sacred Scripture (the Bible) God reveals himself to us and offers us direction and comfort in all circumstances of our lives. When meeting with the clergy they will help guide you through the options to choose appropriate texts for the time and circumstances. Reading of poems and other texts may be used at the graveside or crematorium, once again, provided there is nothing in them inconsistent with the Catholic Faith.

How long does the Service take?

The length of the service depends on the type of service you choose.  The funeral liturgy can take two forms: the Requiem Mass (Funeral Mass) or a Funeral Service.  The Funeral Mass is the highest form of prayer and thanksgiving we can give.  The Church encourages a Mass since the eucharist remembers and celebrates Christ’s own death and resurrection. A Funeral Mass can take anywhere between 45-60 minutes.  However, while the Eucharist is our central liturgy, it is not always the best option for every funeral. To celebrate a funeral without Mass is also a valid form of Catholic worship.  A funeral without Mass (Funeral Service) takes approximate 30-40 minutes.  Use the options below to find out more about the structure of each part of the day.

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