Funerals

The Church through its funeral rites commends the dead to God's merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins. At the funeral rites, especially at the celebration of the eucharistic sacrifice, the Christian community affirms and expresses the union of the Church on earth with the Church in heaven in the one great communion of saints. Though separated from the living, the dead are still at one with the community of believers on earth and benefit from their prayers and intercession. At the rite of final commendation and farewell, the community acknowledges the reality of separation and commends the deceased to God. In this way it recognises the spiritual bond that still exists between the living and the dead and proclaims its belief that all the faithful will be raised up and reunited in the new heavens and a new earth, where death will be no more. (Order of Christian Funerals, n.6)

Please accept our prayerful condolences on the death of your loved one. The Catholic Parishes of Dungog & Gresford are ready to help you in organising a fitting tribute for your loved one and to support you as you prepare to say good-bye.

When your loved one has died, we recommend that you contact the Funeral Director of your choice in the first instance. Your chosen funeral director can help you with many of the practicalities associated with the death of your loved one, and further aid in organising the timing and circumstances for the celebration of a funeral. Funeral directors will liaise with the Parish to ensure that the arrangements for the funeral service are in place. A member of the Parish clergy will arrange to visit you and together plan the proper celebration for your loved one's funeral, help with the preparation of Orders of Service, and accompany you and your family in this difficult time.

Within the Catholic tradition, a funeral can take place either within the celebration of Mass or the celebration of the Word of God. The choice of format is at the discretion of the family, and Parish clergy will guide you in the choices available that will best fit your situation. It is possible to celebrate a funeral service in any of the churches of the Parish or, in certain circumstances, in another suitable location. These choices can be made in consultation with the member of the Parish clergy and your funeral director.