Funeral Rites
A Catholic Funeral
At a Catholic funeral the community gathers to say farewell to the person who has died and entrust that person to God’s loving care. The death of a Christian calls the faith community to proclaim in hope and trust that, because of the saving death and resurrection of Jesus, life is changed, not ended.
The ritual book for Catholic funerals is called the Order of Christian Funerals. The funeral liturgy has a formal structure with a set pattern of readings, homily, prayers, symbols and gestures. It may include the celebration of Eucharist depending on family and other circumstances.
Funerals are celebrated at each of our five Churches. Our Parish Priest, Assistant Priest or Pastoral Associate will work with families to prepare a relative’s funeral.
Funeral Rites
There are three Funeral Rites of the Catholic Church that are offered for a deceased Christian.
Vigil liturgy
The Vigil centres around readings from Sacred Scripture. It also includes prayer, reflection on God’s Word, music and song, and silent meditation. It might also comprise the recital of the Rosary. The Vigil is normally celebrated the evening before the Funeral Mass, either at the funeral home, the church, or another appropriate location.
Funeral Mass
At this Mass, the community gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to give praise and thanks to God for Christ’s victory over sin and death, to commend the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion, and to offer prayerful support to the deceased person’s loved ones.
Funeral Rites
Several types of symbols are used at a Christian funeral. Some are baptismal: the coffin is sprinkled with water and clothed in the white pall of new life in Christ. Some of the symbols are paschal: the Easter candle, symbol of the risen Christ, is placed beside the coffin.
While the Funeral Mass is the primary context in which funerals take place in Catholic parishes, it is not the only way. Sometimes, for certain reasons, a family may choose to have a Liturgy of the Word service instead of a full Mass.
Rite of Committal
This usually takes place at the graveside and is the final segment of a funeral that marks the formal transition of a loved one to their final resting place.
Parish Assistance
At Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, we initially work closely with the Funeral Directors in helping family members or a custodian to plan final arrangements.
Funeral Directors usually contact the Parish Office to arrange a suitable date and time for the funeral rites. Once confirmed, the Parish Priest, Assistant Priest or Pastoral Associate will meet with the family or custodian to plan the funeral, including the choice of readings, music, and the participation of family and friends in the funeral liturgy.
While the funeral rites may be personalised to reflect the life of the deceased, Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God. Our parish follows the norms established by the Diocesan Bishops to ensure that the funeral is a a prayerful act of the whole Church.
Our Parish Team is here to support individuals and families through the difficult time of losing a loved one and the preparation of a funeral. Please contact the Parish Office on 9816 9291 as early as possible so we can assist you and make the necessary arrangements. If your call is answered by voicemail, please leave a message and we will return your call promptly.
Resources
We have resources to assist you in preparing for a funeral. Our hope is to ease the burden of planning and accompany you with care. Please contact us at any time, even before the death of a loved one.
Funeral Mass Templates
Funeral Mass Template – Female
Funeral Mass Template – Male
Suggested Scripture Readings
First Reading in the Easter Season
First Reading outside the Easter Season
Second Reading
Gospel Acclamation
Gospel Readings
Sample Prayers of the Faithful
Prayers of the Faithful for Funeral – Female
Prayers of the Faithful for Funeral – Male
Suggested Hymns
Hymn List for Funerals