Preparing a Funeral

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Preparing a funeral for a deceased loved one is an emotional experience for families and the desirability of celebrating a Funeral in the Parish Church of the deceased’s own community should not be underestimated. Your Priest will guide you through the process of preparing the liturgy, however the following will be of assistance when the funeral is to be celebrated at the Cathedral:

• In the first instance, the Cathedral should be contacted by the Funeral Director to ascertain that the Cathedral is available.
• The daily liturgical timetable of the Cathedral should not be interrupted.
• All readings are to be from Scripture.
• All music must be sacred / liturgical.
• Christian symbols placed on the coffin are to be appropriately Christian.
• One (1) eulogy is permitted.
• There is no parking for the congregation during the week; however limited car parks will be available for the immediate family.
• The cost of using the Cathedral will be discussed at the time of the arrangement and is dependent on the family’s association with the Cathedral and financial capacity. The cost will include:
  • flowers on the Cathedral sanctuary
  • Cathedral organist
• A soloist/cantor can be provided at an extra cost.
• The Cathedral does not have the provision for power point displays etc, there is however provision for the liturgy to be live-streamed over the internet. Live-streaming will incur an extra cost.

​A Cathedral priest will be available to celebrate the funeral, if required.

Funeral Mass

Gathering Hymn:

RECEPTION OF THE BODY
The body is now received into the Church. In remembrance of his Baptism the coffin is sprinkled with Holy Water and clothed with a white pall.    {Placing of other Christian symbols would also take place at this time, eg, Rosary Beads, etc}

Welcome        Priest

Eulogy                                            
    {If there is an Eulogy it would take place here}

Opening Prayer                        Priest

​LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading  (Old Testament Reading)  
Family member or friend

Responsorial Psalm           
Sung if there is a choir/soloist or read by Family member or friend

Second Reading  (New Testament Reading)                     Family member or friend

Gospel Acclamation         
Sung if there is a choir/soloist or read by Family member or friend

Gospel                                                                                                                   Priest

Homily                                                                                                                  Priest

Prayer of Intercession                                                              Family member or friend

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Preparation of the Gifts                                   {A hymn could be sung or soft music played}

COMMUNION
Communion Hymn
Reflection Hymn
Prayer after Communion                                                                                Priest

RITE OF COMMENDATION AND FAREWELL
Invitation to Prayer                                                                                                Priest
Prayer of Commendation                                                                                Priest
Final Commendation                                                   Song of Farewell may be sung or said

​Recessional Hymn

Funeral Prayer

Gathering Hymn:
 
RECEPTION OF THE BODY
The body is now received into the Church. In remembrance of his Baptism the coffin is sprinkled with Holy Water and clothed with a white pall.    {Placing of other Christian symbols would also take place at this time, eg, Rosary Beads, etc}

Welcome                                                                                                            Priest

Eulogy                                                               {If there is an Eulogy it would take place here}

Opening Prayer                                                                                                 Priest

LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading  (Old Testament Reading)                           Family member or friend

Responsorial Psalm           
Sung if there is a choir/soloist or read by Family member or friend

Gospel Acclamation         
Sung if there is a choir/soloist or read by Family member or friend

Gospel                                                                                                                   Priest

Homily                                                                                                                  Priest

Prayer of Intercession                                                              Family member or friend

​
RITE OF COMMENDATION AND FAREWELL
Invitation to Prayer                                                                                                Priest
Prayer of Commendation                                                                                Priest
Final Commendation                                                   Song of Farewell may be sung or said

​Recessional Hymn