Christian funerals are held by the Christian community for the benefit of its dead. They are always marked by the belief that through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ opened up a way to eternal life for the faithful.
As St Paul writes, 'we believe that having died with Christ we shall return to life with him.' (Romans 6:8)
The reality of Christ's resurrection deeply informs the Christian understanding of death and, as the Catechism puts it, 'the Christian who dies in Christ Jesus is "away from the body and at home with the Lord."'
Catholic funerals tend to be similar across the world as the community join the family to pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and give thanks to God for the life that has now ended.
There are two models for a Catholic funeral; the Requiem Mass and the Funeral Liturgy. The Requiem Mass follows the usual order of Mass with Holy Communion whereas the Funeral Liturgy does not include the reception of Holy Communion. Both Mass and Liturgy are concluded with the Final Commendation and Farewell.
The Priest would also welcome the names of the family members and some brief biographical notes that he will then incorporate into the homily.
When a loved one dies, please contact funeral undertaker who will then liaise with the parish and begin making arrangements.
If you would like to speak to someone please contact the Cathedral Office.
We aim to help people who have suffered the loss of a loved one and are bereaved and grieving. Our group visits the bereaved a number of weeks after the death of a loved one. To join us, you must complete a training course. For more information contact the parish office.
