We Are Here To Help

There can be a great shock in losing a loved one; you are probably reading this page with many emotions, and we are here to walk with you as gently and kindly as we can.

It may be the first time you have had to arrange a funeral. So we will do everything we can to support you with things that may be very unfamiliar, to help you in honouring the life of the person who has died, commending them to our loving God in the hope of the Resurrection.

The person who has died may have left very clear wishes for their funeral or may have left nothing at all, especially if their death has been sudden. 

Hopefully, these few lines have helped you. St Paul promises us that “love never comes to an end”, and we trust in that. It may also be that the life of the person who has died was somewhat complicated, adding to the troubles you feel; if that is the case, we will walk with you in whatever way is best, and we will welcome you with compassion and hope. So please call or email, and we will be there for you.

What Is A Catholic Funeral

A Catholic funeral is an act of worship and thanksgiving to God for the gift of the life of the person who has died. It also offers hope and consolation to those left behind.

Because Catholics believe that God sees the life of every person as precious our parish community will remember you and your loved one in our prayers. He or she will be mentioned by name in bidding prayers at Mass and also in the parish newsletter.

Catholic Funeral Liturgy

The Catholic Funeral Liturgy has its particular ritual forms and texts. But within this framework, there is some flexibility with options for readings, music and the sharing of memories of the person who has died.

With time and good preparation, a Catholic funeral can be a unique, personal and comforting occasion.

Why Have a Catholic Funeral?

A Catholic funeral provides hope at what is often the bleakest time of our lives. It holds out the promise of eternal life and the gift of God’s mercy.

When you are mourning the death of a loved one, the opportunity to pray for them and for those left behind gives you a sense of purpose. It helps you to make sense of your loss and will console you in your grief.

Here are some examples of prayers for the grieving.

Making Sense Of Loss

Fr Martin Shipperlee of Ealing Abbey in west London says:

“Death is a great dis-enabler and grief disables. Those who are grieving need action, and by praying for their loved one they are doing something.”

Arranging the funeral of someone close to you is one of the most loving things you can do but it can also be daunting. The Catholic Church will help you prepare and support you in the process.

Who Can Have A Catholic Funeral?

Any Catholic can have a Catholic funeral. This applies even if they didn’t go to Mass.

Someone who isn’t a Catholic may have a Catholic funeral if their family asks for one. The usual reason for this would be that the deceased was married to a Catholic or was preparing to become a Catholic.

Someone who has died by suicide can have a Catholic funeral.

Funerals For Unbaptised Babies

There are funeral rites for babies who have been miscarried or stillborn. If you are a Catholic, please contact the parish office for more information.

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