Funerals

The death of a loved one is a time of grief, but also a moment when we turn to our faith for comfort, hope, and strength. The funeral liturgy is the Church’s way of praying for the deceased, supporting the bereaved, and proclaiming our Christian hope in the Resurrection.

The Meaning of a Catholic Funeral

A Catholic funeral is more than a farewell; it is a prayerful celebration of the person’s life, a plea for God’s mercy, and a declaration that death is not the end but a passage to eternal life with Christ (CCC 1680-1683). Through scripture, prayers and the Eucharist, we entrust the soul of the deceased to God’s loving care.

Planning a Funeral

When a loved one dies:

  • Contact the Parish Office as soon as possible. Our parish team will guide you through the planning process for the funeral liturgy.
  • The Parish Priest (or a member of the Parish Funeral Ministry) will meet with the family to discuss readings, hymns, and special prayers that reflect the life of your loved one.
  • The parish works closely with local funeral directors to ensure that all practical and liturgical arrangements are handled with care.

Forms of the Funeral Rite

The Catholic funeral rites may include:

  1. Vigil (Wake) Service: A time of prayer, scripture, and remembrance with family and friends, often held in the funeral home or at the church the evening before.
  2. Funeral Mass: The central liturgy, where the Eucharist is celebrated and we commend the deceased to God.
  3. Committal (Burial/ Interment): A final prayer at the cemetery or crematorium, entrusting the body to its resting place in the hope of the Resurrection.

Support for Families

Our parish is here to support families during this challenging time. The Funeral Ministry Team consists of trained parishioners whose role is to assist the priest and family in preparing the liturgy, welcoming mourners, and offering prayers. Bereavement support and follow-up visits may also be arranged upon request.

If you have recently experienced a bereavement, please know that our prayers are with you. We invite you to contact the parish office so that we can work together to prepare a fitting and faith-filled farewell to your loved one.

You may find the following guide to planning and celebrating a Catholic Funeral helpful: https://parishofardkeen.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/A-Family-Guide-to-Planning-and-Celebrating-a-Funeral-in-the-Catholic-Church.pdf

Months Mind/ Anniversaries

If a family wishes to have a Month’s Mind or Anniversary Mass celebrated, they should contact the Parish Office. Mass intention envelopes are available in the parish churches. They can be left at the Parish Office, handed directly to the Parish Priest, or placed into the Offertory Collection basket during Mass.