‘Because of our belief not only in the immortality of the soul, but also in the resurrection of the body, the Church professes hope in the face of death, and acts with charity in the funeral rites.
The Church provides prayers for the faithful accompanying the dying of a loved one, and for strengthening our faith upon their death.
Through private prayer and public funeral rites, we strengthen our faith and hope, comfort those who mourn, and bury the bodily remains of the deceased with care befitting what was a Temple of the Holy Spirit’ – See More.
Planning a funeral liturgy
Scripture Readings, from the Word of God
God’s Living Word, speaks to the way in truth to eternal life in Christ.
Holy Scripture speaks to us, showing us how to live a full Christian life in faith, hope, and charity, as the faithful departed did along with their family and friends in faith.
In either a funeral Liturgy of the Word or funeral Mass, Bible passages should speak to the faithful departed’s and their family’s life in Christian faith, to guide us all on our journey unto eternal Life. Only Bible passages are permitted; God’s Word is not to be replaced with non-Biblical texts.
Speak with the presiding minister about Bible passages to be read in the funeral liturgy, identifying which family members or friends will be reading the passages. The presiding minister selects the Gospel reading, based on those passages and the family’s witness in faith.
At least one Bible reading and a Psalm prayer are to be included in a funeral liturgy.
Two readings, typically one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament, may also be included, as we typically hear at Lord’s Day Mass.
The Psalm is best sung ( please arrange with the parish music director ), or the Psalm prayer may be read by a family member or friend.
For reference, passages and Psalms often offered at funeral liturgies are available here.
If a family member or friend is comfortable offering the intercessory Prayers of the Faithful, they may do so after the presider’s Gospel reading and homily prayer (as at a Lord’s Day Mass).
For reference, sample intercessory Prayers of the Faithful are available here.
Music
Contact the parish office, to be placed in contact with the parish music director, Mr. David Bunnell.
Receptions at the Parish Centre
Contact the parish office to arrange for a reception in the parish centre following the funeral liturgy.
Order of Service
- Introductory Rites
- Sign of the Cross
- Greeting
- Entrance Procession
- Collect Prayer
- Liturgy of the Word
- Reading
- Psalm
- [optional second Reading]
- Gospel
- Prayers of the Faithful
- Liturgy of the Eucharist
- Final Commendation
- Invitation to Prayer
- Signs of Farewell
- Prayer of Commendation
- Procession to the Place of Committal
Words of Remembrance
From the Diocese of Saint John pastoral guidelines,
Given that, contrary to popular belief, eulogies or “words of remembrance” are not part of Catholic funeral rites, particularly in the context of a funeral liturgy within Mass…
The word “eulogy” refers to speech or writing that offers high praise, particularly for one who has died, without reference to God or to faith.
In the Christian funeral, we gather not to praise the deceased but to pray for them. For this reason, eulogies or words of remembrance are not given, especially in the context of a Funeral Mass.
Encouraging words of remembrance of a life lived in Christian Faith may be given within the presider’s homily or reflection over the Word of God in the funeral service.
The Vigil, usually observed in the funeral home, offers specific provisions for family members of friends to speak.
At the Rite of Committal at the graveside, family and friends may make a gesture of farewell or leave-taking where this is customary or appropriate, and they may speak in remembrance of the faithful departed at this time.
At a Reception, words of remembrance may be offered in the presence of family and friends.
Mass Intentions, for the living, and in Remembrance for the faithful departed
Offering the Mass for a particular intention is an ancient Catholic
custom. It’s a way of directing the Church’s most powerful form of
prayer toward some good for which we earnestly desire to pray. The
Mass can be offered for someone who needs help, for peace between
nations, or for any good intention that is pleasing to God and upholds
His Glory. – Mike Aquilina, Understanding the Mass, p.56.
This only I ask, that you will remember me at the Lord’s altar, wherever you be…
– Saint Augustine’s mother Saint Monica, to her son, on her deathbed
(Confessions, IX.11).
With Saint Monica, you are invited to have offered for the faithful departed, the most powerful prayer Christ’s Church has to offer.
Contact the parish office, to offer a Mass Intention. Learn more about Mass Intentions here…