funerals

Preparing the funeral service of someone who has died can be a difficult thing to face. Below are three resources prepared with our bishop, Cardinal Vincent Nicholas, with information on preparing a Catholic funeral.

PREPARING A CATHOLIC FUNERAL FOR SOMEONE

This is a leaflet prepared to help people who have the responsibility of arranging for the funeral of a family member or friend. It indicates the purpose and nature of a Catholic funeral and offers simple guidance to family and friends before they meet with those who will prepare the funeral liturgy with them.

The Church’s ministers will help the family consider what is best and practical for their particular circumstances. They have the task of ensuring that funeral services are true to the tradition of the Church, as well as appropriate to the one who has died, and those who gather to pray for them.

>> Download Guide for Preparing a Catholic Funeral

PREPARING A CATHOLIC FUNERAL FOR YOURSELF

As a Catholic, you will want to ensure that your funeral service reflects your faith, the faith of the Church. However it can be difficult for your next of kin to make detailed arrangements for your funeral at the same time as dealing with the grief and loss they will experience at your passing. They will be especially hard-pressed to prepare the funeral as you would wish if they do not share your faith.

It can therefore be a real help to others when we ourselves give thought to our funeral arrangements ahead of time, and let them know what our preferences are, so that when the time comes they can be taken account of to the fullest degree practicable.

Download below a simple A4 sheet designed to help people indicate their preferences for their own funeral.

>> Download Preparing for My Funeral

CREMATION

The leaflet Cremation in the Church provides additional guidance when Cremation is being considered.

>> Download Cremation and the Church

 

 

Text provided by Fr Antonio Pineda