Funerals

Funerals

Funerals are a time of great sorrow in our lives. Whether the death was expected or not, we find ourselves dealing with loss and grief. Rural communities usually step in to do all they can for a family who experience grief, to try and ease the burden. The ‘Wake’ is a helpful time for families to come to terms with their loss and receive an expression of sympathy from their neighbours and friends. The family also have the onerous task of preparing the funeral liturgy. The priest will endeavour to help prepare this liturgy by providing the family with a choice of scripture readings, hymns and prayers. It is worth mentioning that the prime task of a funeral is to offer the person to God on behalf of the gathered community. The secondary function is to recall the life of the person. For this reason the church asks that the music for a funeral be spiritual, and that the readings come from scripture.

Readers

At a typical service, the family can appoint two readers for the Old Testament and New Testament readings. 

The family can appoint one, or a number of adults or children to pray the prayers of the faithful.

Music

The music chosen should always contain a clear message of hope. All music and hymns chosen ought to be appropriate to a religious ceremony reflecting our faith and the belief in the person of Jesus who walks with us on every step of life’s journey.

Gifts

The family may want to bring forward life symbols representing the persons life. We recommend that this be done at the beginning of the service rather than at the offertory. This practice is not compulsory. The symbols should reflect the deceased in an appropriate manner, for example faith, family and life.

The family should appoint two people to bring up the gifts of bread and wine at the offertory of the Mass.

Reflection

There are many beautiful reflections available that the family might find comforting. One of these may be read after communion. The Diocese of Raphoe does not permit eulogies, however families are invited and encouraged to liaise with the priest in preparing his homily for their loved one’s funeral Mass.

The Funeral Undertakers in this area are:

Shaun McGlynn, Undertaker @ 087 2588056

Kieran Roarty Undertaker @ 087 263 1526

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