When someone dies, the Church is here to pray for the person who has died and to support those who mourn.
You are not expected to know what to arrange or what to say. The parish, together with the funeral director, will guide you through each step.
What should I do when someone dies?
The first practical step is usually to contact a funeral director.
Tell the funeral director that you would like a Catholic funeral at St Mary’s, St John Bosco or St Edward’s. The funeral director will then contact the parish to agree the date, time and place.
Please do not confirm a date or print an order of service until the arrangements have been agreed with the parish.
You are also welcome to contact the parish directly for prayer and guidance.
If someone is seriously ill or dying
If the person has not yet died, please contact the parish as soon as possible.
A Catholic who is seriously ill or approaching death may receive Confession, the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion. Please do not wait until the final moments.
READ ABOUT THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
What is a Catholic funeral?
A Catholic funeral is an act of worship.
We thank God for the life of the person who has died, pray for the forgiveness of their sins and entrust them to God’s mercy. We also ask Christ to comfort those who mourn and strengthen our hope in the Resurrection.
A Catholic funeral is therefore more than a celebration of someone’s life. Its centre is Jesus Christ, who died and rose again and promises eternal life to those who belong to Him.
The Catholic funeral rites
Depending upon the circumstances, the funeral rites may include:
- prayers with the family before the funeral;
- reception of the body into church;
- a Funeral Mass;
- a Funeral Service without Mass;
- committal at a cemetery or crematorium;
- burial or interment of cremated remains.
The parish will help the family decide which form is most suitable.
Planning the funeral
The priest or deacon will arrange to speak with the family. This may take place at home, in the presbytery or by another suitable arrangement.
Together, you will discuss:
- the life of the person who has died;
- the form of the funeral;
- Scripture readings;
- hymns and sacred music;
- prayers;
- words of remembrance;
- burial or cremation;
- any questions or special circumstances.
Families do not need to prepare everything beforehand. We will guide you gently and clearly.
Readings, music and words of remembrance
The readings at a Catholic funeral are taken from Sacred Scripture. The parish will help you choose suitable passages.
Music used in church must be suitable for Catholic worship and express Christian faith and hope. Favourite secular songs may be more suitable at the reception or another family gathering.
Brief words of remembrance may sometimes be included at a suitable point agreed with the priest or deacon. Longer tributes and personal stories are usually better shared at the reception.
Please agree all readings, music and spoken contributions with the parish before printing the order of service.
Burial and cremation
The Church prefers burial because it expresses our faith in the resurrection of the body. However, cremation is permitted, provided that it has not been chosen for reasons contrary to the Christian faith.
Cremated remains should normally be buried or interred in a cemetery or another sacred place. They should not be scattered, divided between family members or kept permanently at home.
If you are uncertain about any of these arrangements, please speak with the parish before making a final decision.
READ THE CHURCH’S GUIDANCE ON CATHOLIC FUNERALS
The death of a baby or child
The Church has prayers and funeral rites for a baby or child who has died, including following miscarriage or stillbirth.
Please contact the parish. We will listen, pray with you and explain gently what may be possible.
After the funeral
The Church’s prayer does not end with the funeral.
You may wish to:
- have Mass offered for the person who has died;
- pray for them regularly;
- remember them on the anniversary of their death;
- visit and pray at their grave;
- join the parish’s prayers for the dead during November.
If you are finding bereavement especially difficult, you are welcome to ask for pastoral support.
Contact the parish
Parish Priest
Fr John Owens
john.owens@dioceseofnottingham.uk
Parish Office
Genny Hickey
Telephone: 07354 832195
cathparishmje@dioceseofnottingham.uk
CHURCH ADDRESSES AND CONTACT INFORMATION
“I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live.”
John 11:25
The parish is here to pray for your loved one and to walk beside you with faith, care and hope.
