You might be reading this as someone whose loved one has died and now you are about to prepare for the funeral. Please know that the community of Saint Kevin's Parish prays each week for those who have died recently and also for their bereaved family and friends.
Not many of us have frequent experience of preparing for funerals and it can be a daunting prospect at a time when we can be overwhelmed with sorrow. What follows may help during this time.
The Church considers the care and burial of those who have died as a corporal (bodily) work of mercy, one of the duties of the Christian community. As such, the preparation and conduct of funerals; the care of the one who has died and the care of the family of the deceased are held to be sacred duties in the Christian community.
As the first step when you are ready, it is good to make contact with the Parish to make an appointment to discuss arrangements. This is helpful to do before meeting with the funeral company about the funeral, as the Parish Priest can share with you the choices you have in a Catholic funeral and he can also answer any questions you may have. At this conversation, a day and time can be worked out, along with other details.
The Catholic funeral is an act of worship and praise of God, the Giver of all Life. The funeral offers thanksgiving for the loved one who has died and we pray for the eternal rest of their soul, that they may be released from their sins and so pass into the heavenly kingdom of light and peace. The prayers of the funeral give strength, hope and comfort to the mourners.
The Catholic Funeral can unfold in three phases:
* The Vigil of Prayer, usually the evening or day before the funeral
* The Funeral Liturgy, which may be a Mass or a Funeral Service
* The Committal at the cemetery or crematorium
It is not always possible to celebrate all three stages, however, the most essential are the Funeral Liturgy and the Committal. The Parish will help you to prepare the funeral in keeping with the Tradition of the Church while at the same time, making the funeral appopriate to the one who has died.