Preparations for a funeral service are commonly arranged through the funeral director chosen by the family. The director will discuss various options, including the day and the time of the funeral, with the family and through liasing with the Parish Office. We are always ready to assist the family in whatever way possible in the planning of a funeral for a loved one, not only when a death has already occurred but in advance planning as well.
Preparing for a funeral
Preparing the funeral service of someone who has died can be a difficult thing to face. Below are two resources prepared with our bishop, Cardinal Vincent Nicholas, with information on preparing a Catholic funeral.
Preparing a Catholic Funeral for Someone
The Church’s ministers will meet with and help the family consider what is best and practical for their particular circumstances in planning out the funeral liturgy. They have the task of ensuring that funeral service is true to the tradition of the Church, as well as appropriate to the one who has died, and those who gather to pray for them.
Preparing a Catholic Funeral for Yourself
As a Catholic, you will want to ensure that your funeral service reflects your faith, the faith of the Church. However it can be difficult for your next of kin to make detailed arrangements for your funeral at the same time as dealing with the grief and loss they will experience at your passing. They will be especially hard-pressed to prepare the funeral as you would wish if they do not share your faith.
It can therefore be a real help to others when we ourselves give thought to our funeral arrangements ahead of time, and let them know what our preferences are, so that when the time comes they can be taken account of to the fullest degree practicable. We have forms both at St Mary’s & St Columba’s which you can complete and either hand in to the parish office for safe keeping or keep on file for your loved ones to find.