Funerals & Remembrance
In times of sorrow, we gather in faith, prayer and hope, remembering our loved ones and entrusting them to God's eternal care.
The Funeral Liturgy
A funeral is a time of sadness and mourning. But for Christians it is also a time of hope, for Jesus Christ has won a great victory over death and made it possible for us to pass through to new and eternal life. This is our unwavering hope.
In a Catholic funeral we pray that our deceased brother or sister be admitted into paradise. We also draw strength from family and friends and offer support to others at what can be a very difficult time.
We Are Here to Help
We hope that you find this information helpful when arranging the funeral of your loved one. Please contact Carndonagh Parish if you need further guidance or assistance.
Preparing the Funeral Mass
Family members and friends are warmly encouraged to participate in the funeral liturgy. The following guidance may help you make arrangements.
Music
One of the first decisions to make is whether you would like music at the funeral. It is the family's responsibility to contact an organist and singer or choir. Try to do this as soon as possible.
Choosing Hymns
The organist can help you choose your preferred hymns. Normally five are chosen for the Mass: Entrance, Offertory, Communion, Communion Reflection and Recessional. The Responsorial Psalm may also be sung.
Because the funeral Mass is a sacred celebration, non-liturgical songs are not appropriate within the Mass. Quiet organ music before the service can create a calm, prayerful atmosphere.
Scripture Readings
Family and friends are encouraged to participate in the Liturgy of the Word by proclaiming the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm (if not sung), Second Reading, Gospel Acclamation and Prayers of the Faithful, as appropriate.
The First Reading is normally from the Old Testament and the Second Reading from the New Testament. Readers should familiarise themselves with their texts and any difficult pronunciations. Poetry and other non-scriptural readings cannot replace the appointed Scripture readings at Mass.
Prayers of the Faithful
The priest introduces the Prayers of the Faithful. Four or five intentions, read by one or more family members or friends, normally follow. The priest concludes the prayers.
Offertory Procession
Family members or friends may bring the gifts for the Offertory to the altar. Traditionally, the chalice, altar bread, water and wine are brought forward; the procession may be simplified to two gifts if preferred.
Guidance & Assistance
The parish can help you with questions about the ceremony, suitable music, readings, prayers and the roles family members may take. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
An Outline of the Funeral Liturgy
These are the principal parts of a Catholic Funeral Mass, presented to help families understand the celebration.
Introductory Rites
At the entrance to the church, the body is sprinkled with holy water as a reminder of Baptism.
Liturgy of the Word
- First Reading (Old Testament)
- Responsorial Psalm
- Second Reading (New Testament)
- Gospel Reading
- Homily
- Prayers of the Faithful
Liturgy of the Eucharist
- Offertory — bread and wine brought to the altar
- Eucharistic Prayer
- The Lord's Prayer
- Holy Communion
Final Commendation & Farewell
The body is sprinkled with holy water and honoured with incense as the community commends the deceased to God's mercy and love.
After the Funeral
The Memorial Mass & Month's Mind
It is traditional in many parishes to celebrate a Memorial Mass or Month's Mind for the deceased in the weeks following the funeral.
The Month's Mind is an opportunity to commend the deceased once again to our loving God. It is celebrated in an atmosphere of prayerful remembrance, gratitude for those who have offered sympathy, and hope in the Resurrection.
Carndonagh Parish Is Here for You
In the sadness of bereavement, may you find comfort in the care of family and friends, the prayers of our parish community and the promise of Christ's Resurrection.
For assistance with funeral arrangements, please contact the Parish Office or a local priest.
With acknowledgement to www.tullylish.com for the original outline of this guidance.