The death of someone close to us is, of course, a time of grief and sadness. But for a Christian, that grief is tempered by our hope in the life of Easter. A Christian death is but part of the pilgrimage of life which leads to eternal life with God.
The parish stands ready to help prepare a fitting funeral liturgy which will be both a tribute to the person who has died and a joyful celebration of our Easter faith and hope.
When a Christian dies, the community gathers for a funeral. We say farewell to the person who has died and entrust that person to God’s loving care. We praise and thank God for the gift of a life which has been returned to its Creator. We remember with joy and pain what that person has meant to us.
Catholic Funeral Rites
Vigil for the Deceased – A Vigil may be quite informal, where the family and friends of the deceased person pray in the presence of the body in the home, in the Chapel of the Funeral Directors, or in the parish Church. The Vigil would include prayers and readings and an opportunity for a relative or friend of the deceased person to provide some “words of remembrance” of the one who has died. The Vigil would be celebrated on the night before the funeral liturgy.
Funeral Liturgy – The Funeral Liturgy is the central liturgical celebration. It is usually celebrated in the church, and may be a Mass with the final commendation, or a Liturgy of the Word followed by prayers and a final commendation. The funeral liturgy is held whenever is appropriate for family and friends to gather.
Rite of Committal – The Rite of Committal is the final act of care for the deceased person. It may be held at the cemetery or in a Crematorium chapel. This Rite may also be used for burial at sea. The rite of committal (burial or cremation) usually follows the funeral liturgy.
Parish Contact
At an appropriate time after a person dies, funeral directors will be contacted. The funeral directors will usually contact the parish office to begin making arrangements for the funeral. The Parish is ready to assist with the preparation of the funeral liturgy. As part of the preparation, a Pymble parish priest will meet with representatives of the family of the deceased to facilitate arrangements for the Funeral Liturgy.
Activity in Preparation
- Family meeting with Pymble parish priest (Mass or liturgy, readings, prayers, booklet review before print).
- Parish office support (possible music, slide presentation).
- Test of any audio visual material at least a day before the event.
For further information and assistance, please contact the Parish office.