Arranging a Funeral

All of us experience death and bereavement at some point in our lives. Here at Our Lady of Good Counsel we are committed to giving you all the support you need from us at a time of sadness. By our presence, our prayer and our faith, we hope we can bring some light at a time which can be stressful and confusing for us. This page offers some useful suggestions for things to do and think about as you plan a funeral for a loved one.

Always notify the priest before making any arrangements with an undertaker - the priest may have other commitments which will need to be considered, especially where, as here, there is only one priest in the parish.

A funeral service may be conducted in the Church, a Funeral Parlour or in a Crematorium. However, the choice should reflect the life and commitment to faith of the person who has died and the commitment of their family.

For Catholics, there is no more important way of marking significant moments than with the celebration of Mass. In the Mass, we recall the death and resurrection of Jesus, and, in our Communion, touch his Risen life among us. This inspires our hope that the one who has died is sharing that life and that Communion with us in Christ. Moreover, as a Eucharist - which means 'thanksgiving' - we give thanks for all that God has done for us, particularly in the life of the one we have loved.

Catholic funeral rites traditionally include a Vigil of prayer the evening before the Funeral Mass, usually at 6.00pm (though this can vary if need be). In this short ceremony, the remains of the deceased are brought to the church and family and friends gather for a brief service of prayer. This is not obligatory, and many families opt for the remains to be brought to the church on the morning of the Mass. The Requiem Mass is usually held at 10 a.m.

At Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, a cantor and organist are usually available for Funeral Masses in the church.

Family are invited either to choose some hymns relevant to them and the occasion, or to leave such choices to the parish. They will always be sensitive and appropriate.

As a rule, since the funeral is a religious ceremony, secular music or favourite songs are not appropriate in the Church or during the ceremonies.

Family or friends are welcome to participate in the funeral service. Several may be invited to act as Pall Bearers. You may wish to choose one or two Biblical readings which family members might read. You would be invited, if it is a Requiem Mass, to ask two or three family members to take part in the Offertory procession. While there is an option for a member of the family to offer some words about the deceased person, this can be difficult, and should be carefully discussed with the priest beforehand. The priest will guide all your choices and meet with you to discuss the Funeral and help make it a fitting family and community celebration of faith, life and love.