The Christian who dies in Christ is “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 4:16-15:8). A Catholic funeral expresses this hope of resurrection and provides friends, family and the Church community with an opportunity to pray for the soul of the deceased and to entrust it to God.
A prayer service (a Vigil) is usually held the evening before the funeral. Family and friends gather in the home of the deceased, in the funeral home, or in the church to pray and remember the deceased.
A funeral service can be held with or without Mass. Throughout the service, laypeople may participate as readers, musicians, pallbearers, ushers, and in other usual roles.
When the body is received into the Church at the beginning of the Mass, the priest sprinkles it with holy water in remembrance of the person’s Baptism. During the Final Commendation and Farewell, the gathered assembly bids the deceased farewell and entrusts him / her to God’s care. This is followed by a song of farewell, during which the body of the deceased is honored with incense as a visible reminder that during the person’s earthly life, he or she was a temple of God and dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
The family and friends of the deceased do not stand alone, but with the Church there to offer its gift of presence and hope based on faith.
Funeral Arrangements
If your loved one has passed away, please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible. We will guide you through the funeral arrangements and support you throughout the process.
Arrange for a Wake Service
Families may arrange a wake at a funeral parlour, church, or other suitable venue. Please contact the Parish Office for guidance on organising wake prayers and funeral arrangements.
Archdiocesan Funeral Guidelines
Funeral Mass
Before confirming the cremation or burial schedule, please contact the Parish Office to check the availability of a priest and the Funeral Mass timing. We recommend doing this before confirming arrangements with the crematorium or publishing the obituary.
The Parish Office will assist in coordinating:
- the presiding priest
- the St Padre Pio Prayer Ministry for wake prayers
- a choir and altar servers, where required
Download Funeral Mass Request Form
Columbarium
The parish columbarium offers single, double, and quadruple niches for the interment of cremated remains. To apply for a niche, please complete the booking form and submit it to the Parish Office together with the required payment.
