Funeral Team Ministry
- leading the public prayer of the Christian community;
- holding the sense of prayer for the family/mourners at this time;
- recognising the Christian community’s belief in God as source and giver of life.
The role of the funeral ministry to lead the liturgy at the reception of the body at the church. The ministers are also available as necessary to lead prayer at the home of the bereaved or in the funeral home.
If you would like to explore having a funeral team in your parish, please contact Frances Rowland @ 064 6630538 or email francesrowland@dioceseofkerry.ie.
At the time of a loved one’s death, the support and help of the parish community is very precious.
Praying for the Dead, Caring for the Living is a resource for those who work with the bereaved at the time of a death, as an aid to the bereaved as they prepare to celebrate the funeral of their loved one, and to help all of us join in the funeral celebrations.
Celebrating the Christian Funeral is a booklet for families at the time of the funeral of a loved one and should provide a practical help at such a difficult time.
CLICK HERE for Celebrating the Funeral Liturgy 2016 [ new selection of readings]
CLICK HERE for Praying for the Dead, Caring for the Living
CLICK HERE for Celebrating the Christian Funeral
CLICK HERE for readings and music for funerals
CLICK HERE for help choosing readings for funerals
Sunday Funerals in the Diocese of Kerry
No funerals (Mass, Liturgy or burial) will take place on a Sunday in the parishes of the diocese from the 1st September 2017
- This applies from Saturday mid-afternoon;
- Removals to the church can take place on either Saturday or Sunday evening;
- This change is necessary for many reasons: related to good Liturgy; related to factors in individual parishes; and related to the availability of priests;
- Parishes are reminded that there be no exceptions to this diocesan regulation;
- As regards Holy Days of Obligation the rule will apply to Christmas Day and St Patrick’s Day. On the other Holy Days of Obligation for flexibility reasons the decision is left to the local parish (while discouraging such funerals for liturgical reasons);
- I realise many will have reservations about this decision. It has been taken after extensive consultation with laity and clergy throughout the diocese.
“Just as Jesus died and rose again,
so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep;
and as in Adam all die, so also in Christ will all be brought to life.”
Roman Missal 2011, page 1280
Bishop Ray Browne 8th May 2017