They call and the Lord hears and rescues them in all their distress. Psalm 33:18

What should I expect from a Catholic funeral?

Catholic funerals usually take place within the celebration of the Requiem Mass. While the majority of this celebration is the same as a typical Catholic Mass, many of the prayers will focus specifically on the deceased. Catholics believe that following a death the deceased person is best assisted on their way to heaven by the prayers of those of us still living.

Often families choose to have the deceased’s remains received into the church during a short and intimate service held in the evening preceding the Requiem Mass. This is a very short service with prayers, and usually concludes with praying the Rosary. 

Some families opt for a funeral service rather than a Requiem Mass. This is a short service which can be conducted at the church, a crematorium or funeral parlour, which involves a range of prayers but will not involve the distribution of Holy Communion. 

The celebrant will also lead prayers at the graveside or the crematorium.

Organising a funeral

If you have recently lost a loved one and find yourself organising their funeral, please be assured of our condolences. In the first instance, please make contact with a funeral director of your choice. The funeral director will liaise with our parish to arrange the day and time.

Once this has been established, we will work with you to prepare the liturgy. We will offer you every support to select hymns and readings for the funeral, and answer any questions you may have. 

If you have any questions whatsoever, please do get in touch and we will do everything that we can to help.