Catholic Funerals:

'Liturgical Celebration in the Church'

"In him the hope of blessed resurrection has dawned, that those saddened by the certainty of dying might be consoled by the promise of immortality to come. Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended, and, when this earthly dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven." (Preface I for the Dead, Roman Missal)

Important Notices Regarding Funerals at St Mary Star of the Sea

  1. At a Catholic funeral the community gathers to say farewell to the person who has died and entrust that person to God’s loving care.
  2. The Church through its funeral rites commends the dead to God’s merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins.
  3. The funeral liturgy has a formal structure with a set pattern of readings, homily, prayers, symbols and gestures.
  4. The Christian funeral should not become a secular celebration of the life of the deceased.



Ceremony

  • No projections of photographs or videos about the deceased’s life is permitted during the Liturgy.
  • Celebrating memories of the life of the deceased may be carried out during a vigil prior to the day of the funeral or at a gathering after funeral.
  • If so desired, a photo board may be set up in the church foyer.
  • The Church's Photography & Videography Policies can be viewed here.


Readings

  • Readings are taken from the selection of scripture readings for the funeral liturgy.
  • The biblical readings may not be replaced by non-biblical readings.


Symbols

  • Only Christian symbols may rest on or be placed near the coffin during the funeral liturgy.
  • Any other symbols, for example, national flags, or flags or insignia of associations, have no place in the funeral liturgy.


Music

  • Music is an important part of Catholic funeral services. It helps express feelings and beliefs that words alone cannot. For this reason, music should be chosen carefully to comfort and uplift everyone present, and to reflect hope in Christ’s victory over death.
  • Only live music is allowed (no recorded music).
  • All music must be sacred or religious, and approved by the Catholic Church (e.g., from the Catholic Worship Book II or traditional Latin hymns).
  • Secular songs (such as pop, rock, romantic ballads) are not permitted.
  • Instrumental music must also be sacred or classical music that is part of the Church’s tradition.
  • Any other music requests can be played after coffin has exited from the church doors and is loaded into the hearse.
  • The St Mary’s Sacred Music Centre is able to provide professional musicians and advice on suitable music for funerals, in line with Catholic guidelines.


It should be noted that no exceptions to this will be allowed under any circumstances.