Funeral Preparation

Funerals are held to recognise, to give thanks to God for this person and to remember the loss to our community.

Some of the below might help you in your consideration in the planning of a funeral service.

The Personal Funeral Service

There is a rich variety of prayers, readings and ceremonies in the official Catholic ritual for Christian burial. The priest and the ACM Team will be happy to assist families and friends in selecting the readings and prayers which best capture the life experience of your loved one as a disciple of Christ.

Music

The hymns and songs express our belief that death is a passage to ultimate resurrection and eternal union with God. You may choose your music, however hymns are most suitable.

Scripture Passages

You may select three passages from the Bible: One from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one from the Gospels.

The Easter or Paschal Candle

The Easter candle is lit to symbolise the light of the risen Christ and our belief that he has conquered the darkness of sin and death. This candle stands in the sanctuary space to greet the body and remind us that our loved one, through his/her death, shares in the victory of Jesus over these powers of darkness.

Sprinkling of the Casket

We share in the Lord’s death and resurrection through the waters of our Baptism. The same cleansing waters of Baptism, that made us sons and daughters of God and filled us with the Holy Spirit, are sprinkled over the deceased to remind us of the grace and hope that we have in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Words of Remembrance (Eulogy)

Given by family or close friends during the service. This needs to be discussed with the priest.

"We all have a spiritual connection, we're all brothers and sisters, with the animals, the trees, rivers and rocks, we all belong to one big God - call it Christ, we call it Birrigun, we are all one in God"

Campbell, SBS, 2013

Presentation of the Gifts (Only in a mass).

Family and friends are encouraged to bring the bread and wine to the altar at the Funeral Mass. This action symbolizes that we are saying “Lord, we give our loved one back to you. We accept your will and we trust in you.” Special symbolic items such as a familiar rosary, a cross, a special picture, or a token of the loved one’s life or vocation may also be placed on a small table before or near the altar.

Holy Communion (Only in a mass)

What more perfect way to share in the Funeral Mass than to receive Holy Communion. The words of Jesus: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life eternal and I will raise him on the last day” John 6:54 recalls our hope for eternal life in Christ.

Placing of the Pall

The funeral pall points back to the white garment given to us at our Baptism and symbolises our life in Christ. It is draped over the coffin at the beginning of the liturgy, usually by family members.

Symbols of Christian Life

A symbol of Christian Life, such as a Bible, a book of the Gospels, or a cross may be placed on the coffin as a sign that the Christian is marked, in Baptism, and through Jesus’ victory over death is brought to eternal life. You may also place a photo or special items that represent the person (with permission).

Final Commendation and Committal

The last ceremony after the Funeral Mass and at the cemetery is a liturgy of final farewell or commendation and committal. Many times, this is the most difficult time for loved ones. As Christians, we believe this is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life in Christ for our loved ones.

Aboriginal Prayers and Cultural Practices

There are some Aboriginal practices you may wish to include in funeral service for an Aboriginal person.

In the Catholic Church, you need to discuss arrangement details with your priest and come to an agreement on appropriate prayers, music, readings and practices before the ceremony.

Some cultural practices may include:

  • Smoking ceremony (at the expense of the family)
  • Water blessing
  • Didgeridoo (at the expense of the family)
  • Aboriginal music
  • Aboriginal prayers (See resources)
  • Aboriginal Our Father (See resources)
  • Aboriginal Lamb of God (See resources)
  • Thanksgiving Prayer (See resources)
  • Gathering Prayer (See resources)