Preparing a Funeral

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

INTRODUCTORY RITES
Gathering Hymn:
Reception of the Body (The coffin is now received into the Church. In remembrance of the person’s Baptism the coffin is sprinkled with Holy Water and clothed with a white pall.  Placing of other Christian symbols may also take place at this time)
Welcome                            Priest
Eulogy                                 (if there is a Eulogy, it would normally 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)
Second Reading  (New Testament Reading)        Family member or friend
Gospel Acclamation  (Sung if there is a choir/soloist or read)
Gospel                               Priest
Homily                               Priest
Prayers of Intercession                                              Family member or friend
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Preparation of the Gifts  (Carried up by family member of friend)
Eucharist Prayer            Priest
​COMMUNION RITE
The Lord’s Prayer
Sign of Peace    
Communion Hymn
Reflection Hymn
Prayer after Communion             Priest   
FINAL COMMENDATION
Invitation to Prayer                    Priest
Song of Farewell                             (could be sung or said)
Prayer of Commendation            Priest
​PROCESSION TO THE PLACE OF COMMITTAL
Prayer                                                  Priest
Recessional Hymn

Funeral Liturgy outside Mass

INTRODUCTORY RITES
Gathering Hymn:
Reception of the Body (The coffin is now received into the Church. In remembrance of the person’s Baptism the coffin is sprinkled with Holy Water and clothed with a white pall.  Placing of other Christian symbols may also take place at this time)
Welcome                            Priest
Eulogy                                 (if there is a Eulogy, it would normally 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)
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
Prayers of Intercession                                              Family member or friend
​The Lord's Prayer
FINAL COMMENDATION
Invitation to Prayer                    Priest
Song of Farewell                             (could be sung or said)
Prayer of Commendation            Priest
​PROCESSION TO THE PLACE OF COMMITTAL
Prayer                                                  Priest
Recessional Hymn

The Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane

Most Rev Mark Coleridge - Archbishop of Brisbane
​Very Rev. Fr Anthony Mellor - Dean
249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane   QLD   4000  Australia
​Office Hours:  8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday
​email:  cathedral@bne.catholic.net.au
Tel: (07) 3324 3030
Int: +61 7 3324 3030
Mass Info: (07) 3324 3011
CATHEDRAL CAR PARK
The Cathedral car park is available on weekends for members of the public attending Mass or other ceremonies, eg, baptisms , weddings.   The car park will close 30mins after the conclusion of the Mass  or ceremony.