The loss of a family member, friend or loved one brings a sense of grief, loss and change to all our lives. We wish to be there in whatever way we can to support people who are bereaved.

The Funeral Director will contact a Priest of the Parish when he has been contacted by the family. The priest makes contact with the bereaved family to discuss preparations for the removal and the Funeral Mass. The parish has prepared a funeral booklet which includes directions or guidelines for the bereaved family as to readings/prayers of the faithful for the Funeral Mass. This will be given to the family during the first visit.

Plan the Liturgy

The Funeral Boooklet or any other appropriate resource may be used in selecting the readings, psalm, hymns and intercessional prayers for the mass. You may like to choose some family members and friends who would like to do the reading(s), recite the psalm and take part in the prayers of intercession. Also, please provide the chief celebrant priest with some biographical information about your deceased loved one that will help him prepare and personalise the funeral homily.

Removal to the Church

The removal to the church normally occurs in the evening time. The Christian symbol, the Bible will be placed on the coffin when it arrives at the Sanctuary.

Funeral Mass

This normally takes place on the following morning. During the Mass the family are invited to read the Word of God, share the intercessions and during the Offeratory bring forward the Gifts of Bread and Wine. During the Liturgy the singing of parts of the Mass and proper and appropriate Hymns are encouraged – to ensure the service is as prayerful as possible, secular music is not encouraged.

Burial

The priest will accompany the family to the graveside for the final prayers.

Support Groups

These include Bethany Bereavement (provides support counselling. Ph 01 6282785) Rainbow Ireland (support group for children of bereaved families. Ph 01 4734175); Irish Sudden Infant Death Association (Ph 1850 391391 & 01 8732711.