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Funerals
As Christians we offer the funeral rites as an act of thanksgiving to God, the author of all life. The pain of loss runs deep; when Jesus said “Happy those who mourn; they shall be comforted” he 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 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. You can find out more about the three parts and about what is and isn’t possible in a Catholic Funeral by downloading our guide – ‘Planning a Catholic Funeral’.
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.
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.
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 Word:
- First Reading – from Scripture – chosen by the family and read by a family member/friend
- Responsorial Psalm – usually sung
- Second Reading – 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
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
- Responsorial Psalm – usually sung
- 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:
- 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
Commital: At the Cemetery
- 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.
Commital: 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.
How do I arrange for a Catholic funeral?
Before you make any plans, you need to think about whether you wish to have a Funeral Mass or a Funeral Service. Once you have decided this, approach your chosen Funeral Director and make your wishes known. The Funeral Directors are being paid to take the pressure off you, so they will liaise with the Church. Once things are confirmed, the priest or deacon who will conduct the funeral will make contact and arrange to meet with you and offer support. Do not make any firm arrangements about the Service until you have spoken with the priest or deacon.
How do I make arrangements for my own funeral?
Funeral planning can be a challenging task for your loved ones after your death. If you wish to make arrangements for your own funeral first think about the Funeral Director you wish to use and approach them. Most Funeral Directors offer pre-paid funeral plans where you make all of the practical choices and pay for your funeral in advance. Download this useful planning sheet for making arrangements for your funeral service, complete it and keep it safe either with your will, chosen Funeral Director, or a loved one.
Always discuss with a priest who you are planning to put into a pre-paid plan/funeral document. We are bound to follow the rites as laid down by the Catholic Church, and some requests may not be fulfilled.
How do I make arrangements for my own funeral?
Funeral planning can be a challenging task for your loved ones after your death. If you wish to make arrangements for your own funeral first think about the Funeral Director you wish to use and approach them. Most Funeral Directors offer pre-paid funeral plans where you make all of the practical choices and pay for your funeral in advance. Download this useful planning sheet for making arrangements for your funeral service, complete it and keep it safe either with your will, chosen Funeral Director, or a loved one.
Even if your loved one has a pre-paid funeral plan we cannot guarantee that all of their requests will be fulfilled as we are bound to follow the rites as laid down by the Catholic Church.
What support can the Church offer for those who have lost a loved one?
The Church recognises that once the funeral is over the process of grieving can truly begin. Up to that point loved ones have often be busy arranging everything, then it all stops. The parish here at All Saints have a Befrienders Group with a network of befrienders who offer support and counselling if needed.
