Funeral arrangements during the present health crisis


These are difficult times in many ways.

They are especially difficult for those whose loved ones become sick and die of the Covid-19 virus. It may well be that you have not been able to spend time with your loved ones in their final hours and days, because of quarantine regulations. Even when our head understands and approves of the regulation, our hearts can break for love’s sake.

There are also restrictions on the way that funerals are conducted during the present crisis.

Our Catholic churches and chapels are closed at present, and so it is not possible for loved ones to be brought into church the night before their funeral service.

It may also be impossible for you to visit the chapel of ease at the funeral directors – either because you yourself are quarantined – because you have symptoms of being infected by the virus; or because of restrictions around access to the coffin of your loved one.

Consequently it is also not possible at this time for a Funeral Mass to be celebrated, however those who have died are remembered daily at the (private) parish Mass celebrated at St Nicholas.
  • Once the present health crisis is over, and the Archbishop has authorised churches to open once more, it will be possible to arrange a Memorial Mass for those who have died – should families wish. This will give the opportunity for families and parish to come together again in prayer to pray for the deceased, and to be nourished by the Liturgy, especially by the word of God and by the Sacrament of the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offered to us in form of bread and wine.

There are at present only two options with regard to the funeral service itself.

  • A liturgy at the graveside – when someone’s mortal remains is being buried
  • A liturgy in a crematorium chapel – when someone’s mortal remains are to be cremated.

These liturgies are necessarily somewhat brief, and there are fewer opportunities for families to be directly involved in readings etc. This will especially be the case for services at the graveside, where – of course – the weather may impose itself upon us.
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  • The outline for the service at graveside or in crematorium is available here.
  • If you would like to include a hymn in the service, then this is possible, immediately before the committal. Do consider, though, whether those attending will join in the song.
    Fr Allen is very happy to lead the singing of any of those listed here – but doubts that you will want to listen to him sing solo.
  • There are a range of Gospel passages approved for use at these services. You are welcome to choose one of those listed here.
  • Households might like to spend some time in prayer before the formal funeral service at the cemetery or crematorium - especially when members are prevented from attending the funeral itself . A leaflet has been produced to assist with this.
  • The local authority has established rules regarding the conduct of funeral services in its graveyards and crematoria chapels. These must be followed.
  • Social-distancing rules may mean it is not possible for Fr Allen to meet with the next of kin to prepare the funeral service. However in all circumstances it will be possible to speak by phone to make the necessary arrangements. Please do not hesitate to make contact, by phone or email at any time.