We are here alongside you, at one of the most difficult times of your life. We will pray for you and your departed loved one – they will be remembered at each Mass celebrated in church – and we can help in planning the funeral service.
Prayers for the Bereaved
O Lord, support us all the day long
of this troublous life,
until the shadows lengthen,
the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed,
the fever of life is over
and our work is done.
Then, Lord, in your mercy
grant us a safe lodging,
a holy rest,
and peace at the last. Amen.
(Prayer of St John Henry Newman)
Prayer for the Departed
Lord, in our grief we turn to you.
Are you not the God of love
always ready to hear our cries?
Listen to our prayers for your servant, N.
whom you have called out of this world;
lead him/her to your Kingdom
of light and peace
and count him/her among the saints in glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Funeral Service
The Funeral Service may occur in church, at someone’s home, at the Crematorium, or at the Funeral Home. Where the funeral takes place will determine what is possible but the basic structure is the same.
Reception of the Body into Church
The priest will lead the coffin into church, often reading out some comforting sentences from the Bible. The coffin may be sprinkled with holy water.
On some occasions (especially if the person who has died has been a practicing Christian) the family may want the body to be received into Church the night before as part of a Prayer Vigil. This, too, is possible if it is arranged with the priest and Funeral Director.
Symbols on the Coffin
Suitable symbols expressing the Christian Life of the person who has died (such as a bible, a crucifix, etc) may be placed on the coffin. A white pall may also be placed over the coffin.
Hymns
The priest can help you choose some suitable hymns for the service. It is becoming ever popular for people to request secular music to be played at a funeral. However, it needs to be remembered that this doesn’t replace hymns and the selection of music should always be discussed with the priest, as should the most appropriate time for the music to be played. Two hymns tend to be the most common choice.
Liturgy of the Word
This consists of readings from the Bible and a few words from the priest. He will talk about the Christian meaning of death and eternal life and the message of hope we are given in Jesus. You may want to discuss with the priest any particular Bible Readings you have in mind.
Prayers
We pray for the person who has died, for the family and friends and all who are bereaved.
Words of Remembrance
Sometimes, a member of the family may wish to speak about their loved one who has died. This happens just before the Commendation. If this is the case, then it may be helpful to write things down. Even though you may feel confident about speaking, when it comes to the funeral you may discover that all kinds of emotions take over. Give a copy of what you want to say to the priest in case you want him to read the words for you. The priest can also sit with you and take notes and put something together for him to read for you.
Song of Farewell
During the singing of this Hymn the coffin may be sprinkled with holy water and incensed, as signs of farewell.
Commendation
This is where the priest commends the person who has died to God’s safe keeping. It is the most important part of the service. If the service has taken place in church, then the coffin is then carried out of church and we journey to the place of committal: either the cemetery or the crematorium. The service at the graveside or in the chapel at the crematorium is usually short and simple. You may also choose a hymn to be sung at the crematorium.
Committal
The priest commits the person’s body either to the ground or for cremation. When a body is cremated the funeral liturgy is concluded with the interring of cremated remains sometime afterwards.
Some questions people ask
What choices can I make?
Not only can you choose hymns but also Scripture Readings and Prayers but this, of course, needs to be done in consultation with the priest, who will be able to advise you.
What hymns are suitable for a funeral?
Some people have great difficulty in choosing hymns. However, there are many hymns which are particularly appropriate for funerals. People also choose favourite hymns or hymns that were special to the person who has died. The priest can help you choose appropriate hymns.
Can I have a poem or favourite song?
The are opportunities for personal touches during the funeral service. Secular poems and songs are often requested by families, and these may be incorporated into the ‘Words of Remembrance’ towards the end of the funeral service. Care should be taken that the words of any material is in keeping with our Christian faith.
What about the burial of Cremated Remains?
When a body is cremated, the Committal is completed with the dignified burial of cremated remains. The Burial of Cremated Remains is accompanied by a short time of prayer.
What about a Funeral Mass?
If the person who has died was a communicant then it would indeed be appropriate to celebrate a Funeral Mass. However, a Requiem Mass may also be celebrated on a separate occasion if you wish. Please speak to the priest about it
South Cardiff Ministry Area 