Funerals
“Eternal rest grant unto them, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen”
As a parish we want to do everything we can to help you through this difficult and sometimes painful time.
Be assured that your loved one will be included in the prayers at Mass, and their name will be added to the remembrance books placed before the altar each November.
We have prepared a guide to help you with arrangements when planning a funeral.
The Service
The normal practice for a Catholic funeral is to have a Requiem Mass followed by a burial or cremation.
Or
A Vigil Service followed by a Requiem Mass
The coffin is taken to the church the evening before the funeral. This takes place late afternoon, usually at 4.30pm.
A short service of acceptance and prayers are carried out with family and friends.
This gives the family the opportunity to spend some time in a quiet, prayerful place of worship before the funeral with the requiem Mass the following day.
The Requiem Mass
This is structured as in the following draft Order of Service. Please use this to start to prepare for the service. The parish priest will be able to guide you through the details.
Eulogy
If required, a family member or friend may give a eulogy. This will take place after the Mass has ended but before the final commendation.
Photographs
You may consider using a photo of your loved one on the cover of the order of service. With your approval the parish would like to place this photo in front of the altar for a few days after the funeral so that the parishioners can remember the deceased and pray for them.
Hymns
You may wish to choose some of your loved ones favourite hymns for the funeral service. Do not worry if you do know what they would like. The parish priest can help with this.
